Allen Herset, 62

Allen Herset, age 62, passed away after a 28-year battle with multiple sclerosis on Feb. 15, 2017, at Immanuel Lutheran Home surrounded by his family.

Allen was born Feb. 9, 1955, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Johannes and Ragnhild Herset. In 1965, the Herset family moved to Kalispell, establishing a home near Rogers Lake west of town. Allen graduated from Flathead High School in 1973 and went on to a year of studies at Flathead Valley Community College. From 1974 to 1976, Allen attended the Association Free Lutheran Bible School in Plymouth, Minnesota, where he grew in his knowledge of God, established life-long friendships, and sang on a traveling gospel music team. During the summer of 1977, Allen met Joanne (Hanson) Herset as she was traveling through Kalispell on a similar music team. After a long-distance romance, Allen and Joanne exchanged vows of marriage on March 29, 1980, in Ferndale, Washington.

As a small engine mechanic in Kalispell, Allen loved working with his hands and engaging in conversation with all those around him. Always one for adventure, Allen enjoyed hunting with his friends, fishing at the family pond, cutting firewood, and road trips to visit friends and family. In 1989, Allen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and life quickly changed. Allen moved to Immanuel Lutheran Home in 1996, where he became a familiar face and caring friend to residents and employees alike. Through the years, Allen consistently showed the world his faith in Jesus, by accepting his physical condition, sharing his hope of restoration as promised in the Bible, and remaining committed to Joanne in covenant marriage.

Allen was preceded in death by his father, Johannes; mother, Ragnhild; and brother, Fred. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; three sons and their wives, Matthew (Amy), Nathan (Sarah), and Timothy (Emily); grandchildren, Griffin, Gavin, and Noelle; sister, Mary-Ann (Joel) Rolf; brother, Sylvan (Linda) Herset; and numerous relatives and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Allen Herset to Faith Lutheran Church or to the Accelerated Cure Project funding research for a cure for multiple sclerosis at 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 140, Waltham, MA 02451, or through the website at www.acceleratedcure.org.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 405 Liberty St., Kalispell.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Services are caring for Allen’s family.