Richard L. "Dick" Hertz

Richard L. "Dick" Hertz died peacefully on Oct. 14, 2004, at his home in Polson.

He was born in Bridger, on July 10, 1933, at the home of his parents, Adam and Helen Hertz. Dick grew up in Billings. He loved motorcycles and owned the first 650 BSA in Billings. He took many trips on his motorcycles up the Beartooth Highway to Cooke City. At 16 years old, he hitchhiked to Seattle with a high school friend and they caught a boat to Alaska where Dick worked for the summer in the fish canneries. He graduated from Billings Central High School in 1951. After school, he joined the Navy Reserve and made a trip to Hawaii.

While working on a seismic crew in Malta, he met Virginia Mae White. They were married on March 15, 1953. While living in Malta, Dick worked for Carter Oil and eventually owned his own bulk plant. Virginia gave birth to four sons while living in Malta.

In 1959, they moved to Polson where their fifth son was born. Dick worked in the logging and trucking industry and for Plum Creek Lumber Company where he retired in 1988 after approximately 25 years of service.

Dick loved to hunt and fish with his family, and enjoyed many camping trips with Virginia and their five sons. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and golfing.

Both Dick and Virginia could also be seen at all of their sons sporting and school events. In later years, he also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in school events.

In 1989, Dick and Virginia moved to a warmer winter climate, Wolford Heights, Calif., where they met many new friends. They returned to Montana in 1994 and continued to spend winters in warmer climates visiting friends and children.

In 1997, Dick began his struggle with colon cancer. Much to the amazement of his doctors and family, Dick went through many surgeries and fought hard to beat the cancer. However, his battle was stopped short of apparent heart failure.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and his mother and father-in-law, Josephine and Pete White. "We're confident Dick and Pete are enjoying a hunting trip together in heaven."

Dick is survived by his beloved wife and lifelong companion, Virginia; three younger sisters, Margie and Richard Kelly of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Judy and Milt Fretheim of Columbia Falls, and Connie and Rick Smith of Cave Creek, Ariz.; his five sons and four daughters-in-law, Mike and Peggy of Missoula, Rick and Gayle of Great Falls, Steve, Greg and Kate, all of Polson, and Shawn and Sondra of Ridge Crest, Calif. Dick also has 15 grandchildren, Ryan, Stefani, Sarah, Adrian, Mistee, Dylan, Robin, Danielle, Kristin, Matthew, Adam, Jacob, Hilary, Whitney and Bryson; and four great-grandchildren, Adrian, Destiana, Braden and Nicholas.

Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Grogan Funeral Home, and at 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18, at the Immaculate Conception Church. A rosary will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Monday at the church. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church with Father Gary Reller officiating. Cremation will follow the services and inurnment will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank all of his doctors and caretakers who assisted Dick with his struggle with cancer.

Remembrances may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 3350 Mullan Road, Suite 105, Missoula, MT 59808.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson.