Herbert E. Eskildsen, 84, of Helena, passed away unexpectedly on April 23rd with his devoted Wife, Son and other family members at his side.
Herb was born in Stambaugh, Michigan to Anna and Alfred Eskildsen on August 6, 1930. His parents immigrated from Denmark, Herb was very proud of his Danish heritage. He attended the Stambaugh Public School System and graduated in 1948 enlisting in the United States Air Force directly after graduation, serving his country proudly for 20 plus years. Herb married Jenny Fast in July 1960. They adopted a son, Max, while stationed at Goose Bay, Labrador in 1963, soon after the family was transferred to Malmstrom AFB. After retirement from the Air Force, Herb completed his degrees in Biology and Education from the University of Great Falls and shortly after moved the family to Canyon Creek. Herb attended Carroll College to obtain his teaching certificate, he then taught at the Canyon Creek Country School grades 1-6 in 1973-74. Herb decided to devote his time to working his ranch full time and embarked on a long, rewarding career of ranching.
Herb married the love of his life Charlotte in 1994 in beautiful Breckenridge, Co. It was the beginning of an amazing 20 years of love, laughter, caring and sharing a deep faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Herb was an active member of the church where he taught a class “Characters of the Bible”. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, attending Carol College Football games, and watching his Denver Bronco’s and Detroit Tigers on TV. Some of his most cherished memories come from the hunting camp (Jackson House) that his brothers, Son and close friends built by hand and spent many years enjoying together. They also had many great times and tall tales told at the Candy Store Camp. He will also miss his daily meeting for coffee with Ed, brother-in-law and dear friend, but mostly all the cherished moments with “His Honey”, Charlotte.
Herb is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Anna Eskildsen, 20 siblings, a son Rick and Grandson Brady.
Herb is survived by his loving wife Charlotte of Helena, Son Max (Ellen) of Marysville, Son Doug of Alabama, Daughters Deena, Debbie, Robyn (Bill), Rayna (Harrison) and son Lance; Grandchildren Kelsey, Derek, Brandi, David, Logan, Joe, Temo, Josh, Hanna, River and Koda; three great grandchildren Keegan, Danaka, and Lilyannah; also numerous nieces, nephews and so many cherished friends. Herb never met anyone who wasn’t a friend and was everyone’s favorite Uncle Herb.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church memorial fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2015 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave., with Dean Heidi Kinner officiating. An Inurnment will follow the service in the columbarium niche of the church. A reception will follow the Inurnment at 5:00 p.m. at the Great Northern, 835 Great Northern Blvd.
“Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full, I savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch,
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.”
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Herb.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 1, 2015
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the service
Friday May 1, 2015
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral Columbarium Niche
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
5:00 p.m.
Friday May 1, 2015
Great Northern
835 Great Northern Blvd.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 1, 2015
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the service
Friday May 1, 2015
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral Columbarium Niche
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
5:00 p.m.
Friday May 1, 2015
Great Northern
835 Great Northern Blvd.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Wanda Weir says
Max,Ellen,Charlotte and family. We are so sorry to hear of Herb’s passing. He was a real gentleman and you all have a lot of wonderful memories to cherish. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Wanda and Ron, Newfoundland, Canada
Sharon Walsh says
Max, Ellen and Family;
It is with great respect that we send sincere condolences to you on the death of Herbert. We were very surprised to hear of his quick passing. I know you have many special and fond memories you will cherish that will certainly help you through this difficult time. All of our love to you Max. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love Always Your Big Sis Sharon, Ed and family.
Colleen says
Max, Ellen and Family:
So sorry I will take care of Molly here at work for ya
Again, I’m so sorry for your lose Anything you need please let me know
Joe & Sharon Pollard says
Charlotte and Max,
So many wonderful memories. Building the Sauna, hunting, fishing and eating “Joey steaks” and “Herbie” eggs. The wonderful times at the Jackson House – the Candy Store, sharing Herb’s friends over the years. I will miss him. The last of the Eskildsens, Love and good memories to both of you. Joey
I’ll always remember him as the best looking of all the Eskildsen men. God Bless You all
Joe & Sharon Pollard says
Sharon
Wendy (Greenwood) Solander says
Sad to think all the Eskildsen Uncles & Aunts are gone. Uncle Herb, my good-looking Uncle, will always be remembered. My prayers are for you!!!!!!!
Bill & Bonnie Hyde says
Dear Charlotte and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember our wonderful trips to Alaska and Newfiundland and the many campfires we shared. Bill and Bonnie
Cathie Eskildsen says
So sorry I cannot come out but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Many fond memories.
The Ditch Witch 4 says
Memories of the good times.
Dave, Don, Ernie & Jim
Jeannette Eskidsen says
Seen Uncle Herb at almost all the family reunions . Have many good memories of him.
Peter T. Rehmann says
Charlotte & Max,
I just wanted to say, Thank you to Herb for being Uncle Herb & being there for his niece, Debbie (he always called her Debbie), and the girls, when she needed that hand. I have a fond memory of being invited & being w/Deb @ the “Jackson House” for a dinner w/Herb & “the brother’s” during hunting season. That is when I met the majority of family. It was fun & heartwarming. Fond memories also of when I would see Herb @ the Fort or perhaps as he, Ed & I would have breakfast and he would always ask, how’s Debbie & the girls (he would ask about each daughter by name) ? He will be missed.
John, Paddy, Bridget and Johnny Walker says
Dear Charlotte and family, We will miss our wonderful neighbor, Herb. Herb was usually in the yard where we would say hello and let Mollie play in our yard with our dog Buzz. Once in awhile we got lucky and he would join us for a cold beer and always made us smile with his quick wit and stories. Most recently, he was excited about seeing a black wolf in Yellowstone while visiting his daughter. We enjoyed sharing treats back and forth with Herb and Charlotte. Herb was always a gentleman, intelligent, thoughtful and kind. We are grateful for our time with Herb. Blessings to Charlotte and family. The Walkers
Anne Marie and Bob Knox says
Dear Charlotte and Max, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Herb was a wonderful man. We are so glad that we made the last reunion of the Eskildsen clan and had such a great time. The Eskildsen’s are having a happy time with all of them being together again. He will be missed by all. Love to all.
Kathryn Kelley says
I have heard so many wonderful things about Herb from both Charlotte and Deena over the years. He will be deeply missed by his loving family. I’m sorry for your loss. I pray healing and comfort for you. Blessings and love
Ernie Gooch says
A bunch of the boys were whooping it up in the Malamute saloon.
Gilda Clancy says
You are in my prayers, dear Charlotte!
Carol Ann Matthews says
Memories of good times in Canyon Creek.
Rob and Alicia Root says
Dear Charlotte, Robyn, Bill and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tom & Phyllis Moore says
Dear Charlotte and Max,
So many fond memories of hunting camp at Canyon Creek and Marysville. Herb will be missed along with his brother Al. There’s probably a cribbage game up thar somewhere and they’re likely seated at the table. We send our most sincere condolences.
Tom and Phyllis, Washington, IL
Kay and Dave Hotson says
Charlotte and Max
Kay and I are so heartfelt at the news of Herb’s passing.
Memories include the Great times we had at the Jackson
House with Herbies relatives and friends. I am sure he is
teaching someone he learned as a young boy (Whooping IT
Up At The Malamute Sloon right now.
Our Sincere Condolences Kay & Dave