Donald Kenneth Everhard, age 89
Donald passed away peacefully in Helena, on the evening of April 17, 2015.
Don was born on July 22, 1925, in Bryant, South Dakota, the second of four children born to William and Hazel (Gilbert) Everhard.
After graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943. He proudly served in World War II in the Pacific theatre. Upon being honorably discharged from active duty, in 1946; he was a member of the Naval Reserve until honorably discharged in February 1959. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion as well as the Moose and Elks clubs and a lifetime member of the NRA.
On July 27, 1949 he married Gladys Helmer in Rapid City, South Dakota. Together they welcomed three sons and a daughter: Glen, Gary, Mikeal and Dawn.
During his lifetime Don worked in Greenland as a construction worker and 27 years as an underground mine contractor at Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, SD. In 1974 he moved his family to Helena, MT, and worked for the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) until his retirement in 1991. At that time, he and Gladys enjoyed traveling between their cabin at Tobin Lake, Saskatchewan, and snow-birding in St. George, UT.
Two of Don’s greatest passions were hunting and fishing with his family. He went religiously fishing every summer in Canada of his life and hunting every fall.
Few things gave Don greater pleasure than introducing and joining his children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren in the many pleasures and life experiences of outdoor activities. In 1970 Don harvested a state record mountain goat just outside Mt. Rushmore National Monument. In 2003 he harvested his first and only moose after 27 years of applying for a tag. He continued to actively hunt and fish until his 86th year.
Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gladys; sons Glen (Ellie) of Lead, SD, Mikeal (Roxanne) of Moorcroft, WY and daughter Dawn of Helena, MT. Sister Eileen, and brother Frank also survive him. Other survivors include nine grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Llewyn, son Gary and son-in-law Bruce.
Our father relished a full, active 89 years; too many memories to begin to tell…Don, you will ever live on in the hearts of your children and grandchildren and will be sorely missed. Thank you for your shared knowledge, education, understanding and support. We will always, “be careful” as that was always your goodbye wish.
Viewing hours will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. A reception will then follow at the V.F.W. Post 10010 in East Helena. Memorials may be sent to any veterans’ organization of your choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 22, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Thursday April 23, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the funeral service
Thursday April 23, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Immediately following the burial service
Thursday April 23, 2015
V.F.W. Post # 10010
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 22, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Thursday April 23, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the funeral service
Thursday April 23, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Immediately following the burial service
Thursday April 23, 2015
V.F.W. Post # 10010
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Betsy Salois says
Dear Gladys and Family,
I was sorry to hear of Dons passing. It has been a lot of years since I have seen you. Don worked with my late husband Jim. I remember the fun antelope hunting trips that we went on.. Also how much we enjoyed the walleye that Don and Gladys would share with us after one of there fishing trips to Canada. Recently I was at the Masonic Home and I heard someone ask the nurse if Gladys was there. I immediately recognized the voice.. The nurse was attending to Don so I didn’t interrupt her to visit with him. Since I do spend time at the nursing homes visiting with the residents I made a note to myself that he would be the first one to see when I went back next month. I’m sorry that I didn’t seize the opportunity when there…… I will be thinking of you all during this sad time..
Betsy Salois
Jennifer says
Just today. … early April 25. I found out that my grandpa died. I found out from a 3rd party source. It breaks my heart how our family fell apart after my dad’s passing in 2000. I did miss the last 15 years with my grandpa but I always remembered the good times we had when I was a small girl. I tried to contact him before something like this happened, but I guess I failed. I will miss you grandpa Don. May Angels be with you and your family in this time of their loss. God bless
Jeffrey K Cetto says
Always enjoyed seeing your family!