Herman R. "Shorty" Huisenga

Herman Roscoe Huisenga passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of October 4, 2011. His passing is mourned by the friends and family he left behind and Shorty’s life is celebrated for his dedication to his family and community.

Herman was born on July 16, 1927 in Choteau, Montana to Ivabelle and Herman Huisenga and grew up on the family wheat ranch. When he arrived at Montana State College in 1947 he met Barbara Ellen Simpson, a cattleman’s daughter from Miles City who became the love of his life, and he acquired the nickname “Shorty” because he was the tallest member of his freshman class. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated with a degree in Art. Shorty and Barbara were married on August 7, 1949 and moved to Billings after graduation.

Shorty started his business career with the Farm Bureau and subsequently worked for several years for the Vaughn-Ragsdale department stores in their advertising department. In 1962, he created Huisenga Advertising, a complete service agency, and represented clients all over the city and state. Eventually, he moved the business into his home and continued to serve clients until his death.

In the Billings community, Herman was a longtime member of First English Lutheran Church and the Billings Downtown Rotary Club. He served on the boards of directors of his church and St. John’s Lutheran Home and was elected president of both. The United Way named Shorty its Citizen of the Year in 1980. A generation of boy scouts, Little League baseball players and church youth remember him as a leader, mentor, friend, boat captain, chauffeur, tent mate and chaperone. He and Barbara opened their home and the cabin they shared with Barbara’s sister Margaret Ann Nolan and her husband Barry to one and all. But his great love was family.

Shorty is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Craig Huisenga, Mark (Tamie) Huisenga, and Debbie (Gary) Schulz; his grandchildren Joshua (Sayoko) Huisenga, Peter (Imee) Huisenga, Christel (Matt) Meyer, Joel (Emily) Schulz and Sarah (Caleb) Baker; his nephew Gregg Nolan; and his great-grandchildren Jackson Schulz, Ken Huisenga, Tucker Schulz and Jonah Baker.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 8, at First English Lutheran Church, with reception to follow. The casket will be open prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the reception at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.

Donations may be made in his name to First English Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Remembrances

Dear Barbara and family,

I am saddened to hear of Shorty’s passing. In my memories, I’ve always remembered you as wonderful neighbors (when I was growing up) who were always very kind to me; you also paid the highest wages I ever received for baby-sitting your children!! Shorty’s art was wonderful - his artistic abilities amazed me. The effort it took for him to re-learn how to write and draw with his left hand was truly inspiring. The world was a better place with him in it and I know he rests in peace.

Please know each of you resides in my memories and in my prayers.

David DeSmul – Buckley WA

Dear Barbara and Margaret Ann. I was sorry to read in the Miles in the Miles City Star of the loss of your Husband and Brother-in-Law. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, from what I read in the obituary I'm sure that he was a great addition to the community and a loving head of the family. My heartfelt prayer goes out to you and all of your family. Jay

Dear Barbara, Debbie, Gary and Family, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you during this difficult time. I was unable to attend the funeral, but my thoughts and prayers were and are with you. I met all of you because of the youth activities that you participated in at First English. I remember going to your cabin, going to church camp, back packing and spending time at your house. I remember Shorty taking his time out of his life to drive us to these activities and the generosity he always showed. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was quiet and humble, but you knew he had a spark in him because of his eyes. I'm quite sure was like a dad to many and will always be remembered for the quiet gentle man he was. Your loss is shared by many. My love and care goes out to you now and always.
Carol (Hillner) Moritz