Rudolph John Hergenrider, son of Dave and Sophia Hergenrider, born July 1, 1926, in Belfry, passed away on Dec. 3, 2018, in Bridger.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Dave, Alex, Alfred, Johnnie; sisters Olga, Emma, Lydia, Annie; first wife Mary; second wife Clara; and his son, Allan.
He married Mary Wennemar in 1951 and had four children: Allan (Karen) Hergenrider, Lynette (Dick) Rudio, Leslie Hergenrider and Joy Lynn (Jack) Walker. He married Clara Harper in 1996 with three kids: John Harper, Bonita (Bill) Sporer and David (Crista) Harper, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He farmed/ranched on the same place he was born, located in the Clarks Valley just north of Belfry. The crops that he raised were sugar beets, corn, hay, grain, and he also raised cattle. He had many stories of working beets, using the short handle hoes and of harvesting sugar beets by hand.
He served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman during the end of World War II. He stood guard during the war crimes trial of General Yamashita and General Homa at the Presidential Palace in Manila, Philippines.
Viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bridger. Burial will be in Belfry Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the memorial of your choice.
Rudy, Raymond Krumm, and I were in the same Confirmation class at St. John’s. Rudy and Raymond were confirmed in German, but I didn’t know how to speak German (my bad), so the Pastor really had two classes. One in German and one in English. Rudy and I were also in the same grade at Belfry. I started there in 8th Grade, but when we moved to Bridger, I graduated from Bridger High School. So he was a friend for a long time. We also reconnected when Connie and I would go to Bridger for Jim Bridger days. Mary and her family were long-time friends of our family. So we ask God to bless you, give you comfort peace and joy. I say “it is a sad/glad time. Sad because you will miss him, glad because he knew and trusted his Savior Jesus for his salvation. Blessings and Love, Lydia and Connie Kercher
Prayers and hugs for all 💕 Darlene Klein
Thoughts and prayers to all of Uncle Rudy’s family. Thinking of all of you during this trying time.
Rick and Tina (Krum) Cortez