Rudy Hergenrider

Rudolph John Hergenrider, son of Dave and Sophia Hergenrider, born July 1, 1926, in Belfry, passed away on Dec. 3, 2018, in Bridger.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Dave, Alex, Alfred, Johnnie; sisters Olga, Emma, Lydia, Annie; first wife Mary; second wife Clara; and his son, Allan.

He married Mary Wennemar in 1951 and had four children: Allan (Karen) Hergenrider, Lynette (Dick) Rudio, Leslie Hergenrider and Joy Lynn (Jack) Walker. He married Clara Harper in 1996 with three kids: John Harper, Bonita (Bill) Sporer and David (Crista) Harper, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He farmed/ranched on the same place he was born, located in the Clarks Valley just north of Belfry. The crops that he raised were sugar beets, corn, hay, grain, and he also raised cattle. He had many stories of working beets, using the short handle hoes and of harvesting sugar beets by hand.

He served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman during the end of World War II. He stood guard during the war crimes trial of General Yamashita and General Homa at the Presidential Palace in Manila, Philippines.

Viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bridger. Burial will be in Belfry Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or the memorial of your choice.