Robert L. Evertz
Robert L. Evertz, 93, of Joliet, Montana died January 11,
2011 in Billings, Montana. He died peacefully with his wife,
Betty and children at his side.
Bob (“that’s with one o” as he would introduce himself) was
well known for his sense of humor and wit by his many
friends, coffee buddies, caregivers and family. He was a
mentor to many with his “Bobisms”.
Bob was born on August 15, 1917 in Terry, Montana to George
and Ann (Kolasky) Evertz. His family moved to Joliet in
1935, where he graduated from Joliet High in 1936. Following
high school, he entered the Army Field Artillery, and then
served as 1st lieutenant in the Air Force as a pilot on a
B-24 bomber. Upon discharge from the service in 1944, he
began ranching at Joliet and continued until his mid-80’s.
On October 8, 1947, he married Betty Roos of Terry, Montana
in Fromberg, Montana. They lived their lives in the Joliet
area. Both Bob and Betty were licensed foster parents for 30
years. He was involved in many service organization which
included; Joliet Lion’s for 50 years, American Legion for 55
years, Carbon County Planning Board for 24 years, Joliet
School Board for 20 years, Joliet Rural Fire District Board
for18 years, Carbon County Fair Board for 10 years, Carbon
County Local Government Study for 10 years, Rural Area
Development Committee for several years, and 4 years on
Montana Extension Advisory Council. He also was involved as
a leader in Boy Scouts, FFA and 4-H. Bob was an active
member of St. John’s Catholic Church for 77 years.
Honors and Awards include; 1970 Outstanding Conservationist
for Carbon Soil Conservation District; in 1974 MSU Chapter
of Alphi Zeta as Mr. Agriculture for outstanding practices
in the profession of agriculture, Joliet Lions Community
Service Award in 1988, and he spent five years a Community
Leadership Program known as “Kellogg Extension Education
Program” that included a highlight trip to Japan.
He was the first of five children. He was preceded in death
by his parents and siblings, Frank Evertz, John Evertz, and
Maryann Finley.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty (Roos) and his
four children, Lynn Evertz of Powell, Wyoming, Gary (Elaine)
Evertz, Greg (Collette) both of Joliet and Chris (Leslie)
Evertz of Busby, Montana. Long-term foster children, Scott,
Kim, Peggy, Tonitte, and Tanna, plus many other foster
children for over 30 years. They also have 11 grandchildren
and 7 great-children.
Virgil services will be 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 14 at St.
John’s Catholic Church, Joliet. Funeral Mass will be held
there at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 15th at St. John’s.
Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow at the
Joliet Cemetery.
Memorial may be made to Joliet Community Center or charity of choice.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
Gary,
Elaine & Family, please know we are all thinking of you. Your amazing
family has lost a very important leader. Mr. Evertz's life speaks
volumes of the faith and dignity instilled in your amazing family
members. May your memories hold you close, in the celebration of a life
well lived. God's Blessings to you all. Carole Clingman
Gary and Elaine
Karen and I were so sorry to hear of your dads passing. As my mom
died just two months ago we share in your grief of a loved one that
formed you into what you are today. We will add your family’s name
to the prayer list of our church in Austin and we will be praying
for you as well. Your father was obviously the cornerstone of a
great family and, while he can never be replaced, he will also never
be forgotten. It is consolation to every Christian to know that
their loved one has finished his journey and is now beside the Lord.
Bless you.
Jim and Karen Bailey It had been a long time since I had seen Bob. I
do however, remember it though. I drove to his house a few years
back, knocked and met him at the door. It had been years since I'd
seen him because we had left the Joliet area many years ago. He had
to scratch his head to remember me, but that's o.k. We had a very
nice, short visit and I left him feeling good that I had stopped and
"chatted" with him a little, that he was still alive and seemed to
be doing well. Although not knowing Bob all that well, I do remember
him and want you, his family, to know that I respected and admired
him very much. To me he was one of the finest men I have ever met.
Just recently I was thinking of him and wondering how he was. Sadly,
I didn't pursue that thought any further.
Most memorable for me of Bob was that as we buried our son in 1977,
Bob was the person who came to us and put his arm around our
shoulders at the cemetery. As I-we leaned against him in sorrow, I
honestly believe he was grieving along with us. I thought for years
about that incident and what a fine, companionate man he was. That
kindness showed by him at our time of need has been in my memory for
all these years and will continue to be. May he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you, his family.
Sincerely, Roy Thompson.
Bob was a fine man who touched so many lives
in a positive way. I will miss him as I’m sure many will. My sincere
condolences to all his immediate and extended family members. Heaven
has gained a treasure.
Machelle Pihlaja Lewis
Sorry to hear about Bob's death. He was a
good man who always treated me the as a friend. He was always
generous to a fault and always cared for his fellow man. He
along with Betty always had room in their hearts for others.
He will be missed.
Take care and God bless.
Phil Cammack
Chris, Greg, Gary, Lynn -- I always admired your father's gracious manner, commitment to the community, and care for his extended family. He was a figure that we could all look to in admiration and desire to emulate his great qualities. I'm sure it is a tremendous loss to you all. He has lived a good life. In the end it is still hard to have our loved one leave us.
You are in my prayers.
With Sympathy, Sally Metz
It will be difficult to imagine Joliet
without Bob Evertz. Nice obituary – 77 years of public service plus
war years as a B-24 pilot. What a legacy!
When I think of Joliet, Bob has always been one of those strong
individuals who comes to mind. We first met in the early 50’s
connected with Cub Scouts, the Lions Club, the old ice rink, school,
etc. Bob seemed to be involved with it all.
I moved away in 1960 to pursue a career in forest fire work and
photography. Bob was always interested in seeing the pictures and
hearing the stories. I moved back to Joliet in 2006 and became a
part of the coffee group at the Homestead. Bob was like a history
lesson most mornings although I’m guessing he didn’t feel that good
most days – he didn’t complain.
He was the first to encourage me to join the Joliet Lions Club and
again, and again, and again! He was of immeasurable help putting
together the photos for Joliet’s Centennial celebration.
To me, Bob was like the town’s head coach – always gentle, always
had the big picture in mind, always had the individuals’ best
interest in mind, always like a counselor, always open to new
people, things, and ways!
His “Bobisms’ hopefully will be written – they are classics.
He always enjoyed talking air plans, especially since we used the
B-24s in my work (PB-44-2). Enjoy the ride, my friend. Your venture
here on earth was just practice for your spot for eternity – Happy
flying.
Bob Webber – Hamilton, MT
Gary and Elaine – So sorry to learn of your loss. Just wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time. Herb Thackeray
Greg, Collette,
My condolences over the loss of your father Greg. I've been there
years ago and the message of John 11: 22-26 was very meaningful to
me. The question at the end is very important. May the peace of
Christ surround all of your family at this time. You'll be in our
prayers.
Merlin and Linda Nelson
Bozeman, MT
To the Evertz family,
I was looking at the obituaries on line and see that we lost Bob. I
am Ed Lambrecht and was a social worker in Carbon County that worked
with Betty and Bob for 15 years. The earth was a better place
because of Bob. They were a foster home that just did it. No
complaining, no problem/behavior they did not want to tackle and
they used tireless parenting skills, common sense and love to bring
comfort to troubled youth. I remember several short term placements
with some boys that just fell in love with Bob. He was the tireless
man in their lives that cared and took them under his wing. I want
to extent my condolences with your loss. Hopefully he will be at the
pearly gates to help me get in.
Ed Lambrecht