On the evening of May 13th, 2015, our dad, husband, grandpa, and friend, Thomas Lee Herzig, suddenly passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital. Tom was 73 years old.
Tom was born on July 6th, 1941 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was raised, along with his two younger sisters, Jeri and Jackie. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965. He proudly served his country in the Viet Nam War as a Munitions Officer. Tom retired from active duty as a Captain in 1976 and later from the Air National Guard as a Lt. Colonel. He was last stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana.
After the Air Force and earning his M.B.A. from the University of Montana, Tom worked for the National Electrical Contractors Association in Helena. Helena was where he and his first wife, Becky, raised their two children, Lara and Scott. His job took him from his beloved Montana to the Pacific Northwest, where he found his forever wife, Connie. Tom and Connie made a happy home in North Bonneville, Washington. Upon retirement, this was used as their “headquarters” for all of their travels. Tom always seemed to be planning for their next trip to spot a new bird, visit a new country, or visit old friends. His travels took him to all seven continents and all over the United States, but visiting Montana was always a yearly destination, as this was truly his home. After 20 plus years, Tom finally achieved his dream and he and Connie were able to move to Helena this spring. Although he was back in Montana for only three short weeks, it was three of the happiest he has ever had.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother and father, Bertha and Herman Herzig; his mother-in-law, Barbara Gossage; and brother-in-law, Spencer Schantz.
Tom is survived by his wife, Connie; father-in-law John; sister-in-law, Nancy; daughter, Lara Anne O’Sullivan (Bill); son, Scott Mateo Herzig; his sisters, Jeri Schantz and Jackie Kiefer (Mick); his first wife, Becky Mitchell (Larry); his niece, Jennie Butera and her two sons, Zach and Tony; his nephew, Mike Kiefer; and his treasured grandsons, Liam, Trevor, and Trey.
Although Tom and Connie generously give to many organizations and charities, two of their favorites are the Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) and the Angel Fund for the Helena School District. If desired, a memorial donation can be made to one of them.
There will be a visitation and family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena. Burial with Military Honors is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison with Committal in the Niche at the cemetery.
Tom’s family would like to lovingly extend their gratitude to all the wonderful, compassionate staff at St. Peter’s Hospital ER and ICU.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Tom.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 19, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 20, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 19, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 20, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Marge Killmon says
Love and prayers, sweet Connie. Tom told me at one of our lobster fests that he loved you very much. He was a good man. Fondly, Marge
Bobbie Scott says
Scott: So sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Lois Baker says
Scott & Lara-So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of peace for the whole family.
Bob & Terri Bianchi says
Connie: So very sorry for your loss – Tom is in our prayers and we send you our love. We got to know him living in North Bonneville and at City Council meetings – what a wonderfully talented man. We loved to hear about your travels.
I will post his information at the Post Office in N. Bonneville if that is ok with you.
Much love and strength to you- may God be with you.
Bob & Terri Bianchi
Judi Buller says
You were there for me, I’m here for you.
Your fellow Roadrunner – Judi
Terry Hatch says
Connie and Family,
Tom was a good man with a big heart. It was so great that he was able to retire and got to spend “the golden years” doing what you guys wanted, although it went too fast…May God Bless Your Family during this difficult time.
Tori, Rick and Amy Haggerty says
Our hearts ache for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Ben and Sara Nest says
Connie and Family,
I will miss Tom’s and my long distance phone chats, we always enjoyed our political discussions. So glad we stayed in touch over the years and it was nice we got to see you when you came to Maine. Tom was a great guy and we will always feel the loss of a dear friend.We send our thoughts and prayers to you and the entire family.
Chuck Torres says
Scotty and Laura,
I’m so sorry about Uncle Tom’s passing. I remember the summer I spent with you in Helena and Uncle Tom taking us Fishing and Hiking and just enjoying the outdoors. What a great summer that was and I will never forget it or him. It truly taught me to appreciate the beauty of the world we live in and I will never forget Uncle Tom and the time I spent there. You are always in my thoughts.
Cindy Clark says
Tom, you are my favorite smart aleck! I’m not finished laughing yet.
Bill and Brenda Belforte says
Connie,
Although you do not know me, I worked for SMACNA next door to Tom’s office with NECA. We used to sit and chat about labor relations and how NECA differed from SMACNA. We left Montana after 10 years there and I began a career with NECA in St. Louis and later my own Chapter in Springfield, IL I always looked up Tom at our National conventions and have a (too) brief chat about Montana. Glad you guys made it back there. Our sincerest condolences.
Paul Sullivan says
Connie,
You and Tom are such treasured friends for over 50 Birding Weekends in Oregon and elsewhere. Thank you for friendship, your good humor, your enthusiasm, and your wisdom. I treasure the bond we shared. My deepest sympathy to you, Connie, and to all Tom’s family.
Ellen Cantor says
Connie
What a shock to hear of Tom’s death. Although we’ve been out of touch for several years, you two have been in my thoughts, especially since I’ve now retired and thought about getting in touch with you for some visiting and birding. You and Tom have always been so open and loving to me, and so engaged in the larger world. You two lived life to the fullest, and I was so glad to hear that you made the Montana dream a reality. Tom will be missed by many. I am so sorry for your loss…..
Phyllis Wolfe says
Connie,
You and Tom have been the dearest, kindest, and most delightfully fun birding buddies for these many years. I will miss Tom terribly, but am so thankful that I have been blessed with the joy and pleasure of both of your friendships. Please know you have a place in my home any time you want to visit Portland and both of you will always have a place in my heart. Deep condolences to all of Tom’s family. I know he will be sorely missed.
Ed and Carol Hausafus says
Two of the four best dressed birders I ever met. And I know how you and Connie met. So funny if it’s true.
Diana Hwang says
To Connie and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to be with Tom on birding excursions, with the most memorable one being the cross country caravan through Canada to Churchill Manitoba. He was a good man, good-natured, good humored, and such a gentleman. And I can still remember his laugh at many a birding dinner.
Linda and Jon Sewell says
Connie, Tom was a very close friend and we wish we could have been by your side at his service. We enjoyed our many extended birding trips with you two, especially the one to Antarctica. Our house is your house whenever you are over this way. Our deepest sympathy to you and Tom’s family
Don Stevens says
Dear Connie, as you know, I was fortunate enough to serve on the North Bonneville City Council with Tom & will always appreciate his time & efforts to improve our city. I’m so sorry for your loss but I will always carry many happy memories of sitting on your couch, sharing a beer or two with Tom & listening to him describe the many trips you both took all over the world. He was a truly remarkable man & will be sorely missed.
Steve Reed says
Connie, terribly sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. You are a strong women and you will make it through this awfull time. Best wishes.