Dr. Herb Hanich

Dr. Herb Hanich, 84, of Missoula passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at St. Patrick Hospital.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2024, at the First Lutheran Church of Missoula.  Online condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com.

Herbert Bernhard Hanich, son of Herbert and Merle (Abbott) Hanich, was born November 14, 1939, in Lincoln, Nebraska.  He graduated from Northeast High School in Lincoln NE and continued his education at the University of Nebraska on a gymnastics scholarship where he competed in the Still Rings, Flying Rings, Parallel Bars and Rope climb. He was named All Around Gymnast several times due to the number of events in which he competed. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, he was accepted into the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine where he obtained his Doctorate Degree. From 1969, he practiced Veterinary Medicine at the Animal Clinic in Missoula, MT, and took over the practice in 1980.  His legacy continues through his son, Dr Greg Hanich who took over the practice in 2007. Herb was united in marriage with Jayne White in 1964. Two children, Greg and Kathleen were born to this union. The couple later separated. Herb met and married Jean DeCock in 1992 and she was by his side at his passing.  He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Missoula, and a former member of the Lion’s Club, and the Missoula Kiwanis Club.  He had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, racquetball, and golf. He and Jean loved to travel and visited many destinations, including Vietnam, Mongolia, and many Caribbean islands, with Bequia being a special favorite. Most of all, he cherished the time he was able to spend with his beloved family and friends. Herb was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, Veterinarian, and friend who will be greatly missed by all.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Jean Hanich; children, Dr. Greg (Meighan) Hanich; Kathleen (Jerry) Christensen; stepchildren, Eric (Jamie) Agnew; Grant (Lori) Agnew; ten grandchildren, Sam, Abby, Maddy Hanich; Nicole Larson, Whitney Nelson, Kyle and AJ Stricklin, Amanda and Joseph Agnew, Megan Atkeison, and nine great grandchildren. As well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Merle Hanich, and sister, Marilyn Behring.