Herman Zier

Herman Zier, 96, of Choteau, Mt passed away August 15, 2016 of natural causes at Pondera Medical Center in Conrad, MT. Visitation will be Monday August 22, 2016 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home and a Funeral Service will take place August 23, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home in Choteau, MT with a burial to follow at Choteau Cemetery with Military Honors. Friends and family are invited to attend a luncheon at the Stage Stop Inn, Choteau, following services for fellowship and memories. Herman was born December 20, 1919 to John George Zier and Elizabeth (Lackman) Zier in Myers, Montana. He was one of 11 children. In 1930 at the age of 10 his family moved to the Choteau area and has spent a life time farming in this area. In October of 1941 Herman was drafted into WWII. He served 40 months in the South Pacific, received the Bronze Star for bravery and achieved the rank of sergeant. He was honorably discharged in August of 1945. After the Service he spent a year as a mechanic in Dutton, MT before he went back to farming. November 17, 1953 he wed the love of his life Wilma Jean McDonell-Zier in Great Falls, MT and the couple was blessed with 4 children; Calvin, Alvin, Bettina and Ricky. Herman loved to travel and had even managed to make it to all contiguous 48 states and Alaska. He was a carpenter and built many things for his family including the family home in 1955. Herman was a great self-taught farming mechanic and managed to fix all of the equipment on the farm at one point. He enjoyed watching baseball especially the Braves, watching T.V., Bowling, farming, and following the Choteau High School Basketball team. He and Wilma attended as many games as they could to support the kids. Herman was preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth Zier, His sisters Leota, Molly and Lydia as well as brothers Hank, George, Dave, Jake, Fred and Alec. Herman is survived by his Wife Wilma Zier of the family home, his children Calvin Zier (Billings, MT), Alvin Zier (Shirley) (Casper, WY), Bettina Benson (South Bend, IN), and Ricky Zier (Ann) (Mooresville, IN). Also his brother Bill Zier (Renton, WA) as well as 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to The Wounded Warrior Fund or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be left on-line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com