On April 7th, Luke Robert Den Herder, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away at the age of 37. Luke was born at St. Peters Hospital to Lyanne and Robert Den Herder, on October 15th, 1985. As a true Helena native, he graduated from both Capital High school and Carroll College, playing for two amazing football teams! Go Bruins! Go Saints!
Luke loved his family, the outdoors, and all things sports. His incredible competitive nature drove him to find teams throughout the community from football, softball, baseball, soccer, hockey, volleyball and golf. For him it was truly a privilege to make lasting friendships and participate in the camaraderie sports can bring.
Luke was one of the most successful realtors at EXIT Realty Helena, where he was able to share his gift of helping others. He enjoyed the ability to find people their first or forever home. Helping others was always number one in Luke’s mind, throughout all of his battles he always put others first. He helped to inspire everyone he met with a simple “Hello!” or inspirational and positive conversation.
Ever the family man, he put his family above all else and is survived by his wife Sassion Den Herder, daughters Laiyla and LakeLee, parents Lyanne and Robert Den Herder and sister Erin Den Herder. He truly loved being a father and teaching his daughters their worth. His love and passion could be seen in everyone he has left behind. He has truly left everyone with a love for life and a fighting spirit. He left this world in peace and is now watching over us in heaven.
Donations can be sent to Camp Make-A-Dream (https://www.campdream.org) in Luke’s honor and flowers to Anderson, Stevenson and Wilke Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 15th in the PE Center at Carroll College. Burial will follow the service at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Lakeside Bar, 5295 York Road. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 15, 2023
Carroll College PE Center
1851 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 15, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday April 15, 2023
Lakeside
5295 York Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 15, 2023
Carroll College PE Center
1851 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 15, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday April 15, 2023
Lakeside
5295 York Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Janet and Dennis Sheehy says
May your memories of life with Luke carry you through this most difficult time. You are surrounded by friends and love ones.
Brett Hoffman says
I’m sorry for your loss and i hope you find peace and comfort and he dances with the angels now
Karen Bryson says
Dear Bob and Leanne and family,
My heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Luke certainly was a fighter throughout his cancer journey. He made an impact on everone he met.
Keeping you in my prayers.
Karen Lee Bryson
Mark and Beth Barry says
Dear Leanne and Bob and Family,
Our sincerest condolences and prayers go out to you.
Beth and Mark Barry
Rick OConnell says
Leanne, Bob and family. I wish I could make this go away and make everything better for you. Just know that a lot of people love you and Luke would want us to continue to show the kind of strength he showed.
Rick O
Leighton P Lamphier says
Dear Leanne and Bob,
We are sad to hear of Luke passing. What a heart ache for you. Our sincere condolences for both of you.
Jackie and Paul Lamphier
Don and Donna Paul says
Dear Leanne and Bob,
Luke was an inspiration of hope in the most trying of times. Your unfailing love and encouragement were the backbone of his desire to live each day to the fullest. He will leave a legacy of the spirit of life. It was amazing to watch Luke come back from his first battle to return to the CC football playing field when many would probably have given up. Definitely an inspiration to all of us.
Joan Stewart says
Lyanne, Bob, Erin and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Luke’s passing. My heart breaks for all of you. Luke was an amazing young man and you are such a loving and supportive family. In these days and nights of sorrow, know that you are in the prayers, the thoughts and the hearts of those who love and care for you.
Joan Stewart
Mike Oliver says
I am so saddened to see the passing of Luke. I have so many memories of the kids playing together. My prayers for Bob, Leanne and Erin. There is nothing worse than losing a child.
Kaela Comfort says
Luke was someone you were lucky to meet and call a friend. Truly one of the most amazing people to walk this earth. I sure am going to miss seeing his big smile, getting a hug from him, playing softball together. We will miss this man so darn much. Rest easy brother,
Kaela and Weston Comfort
Dick and Lori Chase says
DenHerder family:
Our hearts are broken for you at your loss of Luke. He was a true fighter and hero.
He will continue to live forever in the memories of all who knew him.
We are praying for your comfort, strength and peace.
May God carry you during this difficult time.
Love, Lori , Dick and the whole Chase family
Tammy & John Wilkins says
Leanne & Bob,
We are saddened to hear of Luke’s passing. Luke was fun to watch growing up in the neighborhood and was a great role model for our boys. So sorry for your loss.
Tammy & John Wilkins
Janice McGimpsey says
This makes me so sad! My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Den Herder family. So very sorry for your loss.
Tom & Connie Fairbairn says
Lyanne, Bob and families,
We are so sorry for your loss of Luke, he fought a courageous battle just like he played in sports. We are saddened by his passing. Hugs and prayers to all. Rest in peace Luke.
Cindy Lax says
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I only met Luke once and it was at Matt and Carrie’s wedding. He seemed to be a thoughtful and caring guy. I pray that the Lord will comfort all his family and friends. Thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Lax
Angela Montanye says
I went to Four G’s and Capital with Luke. We were locker partners our junior year. Whenever I had a bad day, he was always encouraging. He always had a smile on his face, even when his day wasn’t the best. He always put others before himself. Luke was friendly and kind to everyone. He will be remembered well by so many. I will be praying for your family.
Jo and Paul Bryson says
Bob, Lyanne and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. 😥💔 Our hearts ache for your entire family. Keep the wonderful memories you have of Luke close to your heart and may they bring you strength and comfort in the days ahead. 🙏🏻💕😇
Keith and Shelley Bunkowske says
We are so sorry for your loss. What a brave young man he was with a heart of gold and a generous spirit. Wrap your arms around your memories and know that some day you will be reunited with him. Sending love and prayers.
Teri Betz (Malmberg) says
So very sorry for the loss of this wonderful young man. He was an inspiration to all. I remember him from my Sunday school class so many years ago. He was a bundle of energy and intelligence. He will be missed. Blessings to you all.
Bob & Barb Wilson says
We were sure sorry to hear the news. He was such a fighter and truly a great guy! Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the family.
Amy Knecht says
To the Den Herder family,
I am so sorry for this tremendous loss. Luke was a constant reminder to make the best of what life gives you. Work hard, play harder, and never give up. You are all in our continued thoughts and prayers for comfort.
Amy Pentecost-Knecht and family
Patrick Rieley says
So so sorry to hear of Luke’s passing. He was always such a kind person. Thoughts and prayers to all family.
Don, Patty, Brett, Tanya, Kyle, and Jason Whitney says
Sassion, Leanne, Bob, Erin, and family,
Our whole family are so sorry for your loss. Luke’s brave fight over these years has been an inspiration for us all and a testament to his strength and determination. He will be remembered as a great young man.
Rosanne Burnham says
Lyanne, Bob, and Erin,
Riley and I are so sorry for the loss of your precious son Luke. What an inspiration to all of us.
Luke was always so brave, courageous, and kind.
I will remember that big smile.
We have fond memories of playing and watching Luke at the baseball field.
May you find peace. Be proud of the wonderful man that you raised.
Kyle Borne says
I am so sorry for the Den Herder family’s loss. Luke was such an awesome guy and I still fondly remember the years of playing baseball with him. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
Jennifer Cronen says
To the DenHerder Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in during this difficult time. May the Lord help guide you through this terrible loss.
Renee and Paul Barta says
We have been praying for your family and friends that they will surround you with love and share memories together. Luke will be a treasure to many in heaven as he has been so thoughtful to people on earth.
Vicki Downhour says
Dear Lyanne, Bob, and family,
My thoughts keep wandering back to you. When the day gets just too hard, close your eyes and open your heart to connect with all the people holding you up with love and prayers.
Bonnie and Paul O Gorman says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers sent your way
Lorry and Marc Parriman says
Lyanne, Bob, Erin and all the family,
Luke was one of our son’s nicest friends. He was always kind and respectful and had the brightest smile around. The last time I saw him he gave me the best hug. We enjoyed all the soccer and baseball outings over the years. Know our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Rocco Mongelli says
Sending condolences, thoughts, and prayers during this most difficult time.
I first met Luke at my interview for Enterprise rent a car. We worked together and had lots of fun and laughs. We became dear friends. He was such a great guy and made such a difference in so many lives. He will surly be missed and be remembered with love and prayers. He will always be in my heart. May the angels be all around you to comfort and give you all strength and peace when you need it most.
My heart goes out to you and your family. With deepest sympathy Rocco Mongelli
Maura Gruber says
Luke touched many lives in Helena! He will be so missed. Many prayers and hugs to Sassion and his entirely family.
Mark and Kellie Samson says
Luke was a great player and a better person in the years we spent at Capital High School. Tough! Competitive! Unselfish! A Winner! he always made people around him feel better about themselves and being a part of something special! He made me a better coach and teacher! Love you Luke–we will always remember you! Say “hi” to Narles for us.
Dean Retz says
Being an avid sports fan, I watched Luke in high school and college as well as playing softball. My grandson Nick
and Luke were good friends, and Nick told me last Friday about Luke’s passing. Looking back, I am so glad that I was able to see and visit with Luke at the Capital city Health Club. GOD BLESS.
John and Cheri Larson says
Leanne and Bob:
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. We know that Luke is in God’s hands. We pray for your comfort and peace.
Sean Sichelstiel says
I love you buddy.
Countless, amazing memories we’ve had from Reno, Vegas and all over the state of Montana.
Love you brother.
Sic
Larry and Joy Bunkowske says
One of the greatest pleasures in Joy and my life has been to know and be inspired by Luke. Joy and I share the families sadness in his passing, but his memories shall live on for us all. We love you Luke and know you are in a better place just waiting for us.
Tom Erving says
Sassion, Bob, Lyanne and family, Luke was such a wonderful husband, dad, son and friend to all he met. He left an impact on everybody. My deepest sympathy and prayers for all.
Barbara Swehla says
Bob and Lyanne have been pillars of the community for years. We didn’t know Luke well, yet we know the stock from which he came. Parents who not only committed their lives to a Christian existence and incredibly devoted to their family and community, his parents displayed characteristics of an inspirational family with which few communities are blessed. Honesty, integrity, and selflessness.
Luke and his sister, Erin, were representative of a family that had strong values, regardless of anyone’s description of what should be acceptable by society norms. Their family has had profound impact on every individual with whom they have had contact. I’m blessed to have known the DenHerders.
Barbara Swehla says
My heart goes out to you and your family and friends
Dave Marshall family says
Our family is so sad to hear of Luke’s passing. He exuded energy and vitality, from our interactions at church through his Carroll College years and beyond. We send our deepest condolences to all of you.
The Helena Mosby's says
Lyanne, Bob, Erin, Sassion and all the family and close friends of Luke he was one of the great ones our sincere condolences. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our heart goes out to you at this difficult time. He will always be remember for his wonderful way with strangers and friends he always made you feel good. May Luke RIP he fought the fight and was admired by so many…. RIP LUKE……
Linda Huso says
Condolonces to all of Luke”s family.
Blessings and prayers, Linda Huso
Diana Hawbaker-Tavary says
Bob and Vicki I am very sad that this young father was taken so soon. My kids experienced the passing of their pops too early too (Terry Hawbaker). What a delightful man Luke was and to follow his path at Carroll. My heart si sad for your entire family. Diana Graber
James Dedianous says
Luke was a great I met him through my wife and he sold me his chevy s10 super nice guy he will be missed