Herbert Hauns

– Herbert Hauns, 95, of Missoula, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at The Springs of Missoula. He was born on June 24, 1918, to Adolph and Valentina Hauns in Cambridge, Mass.

Herb attended Boston Trade School, graduating in 1936, the beginning of his career as an electrician.

In 1942, Herb was called to active duty in the Army's 36th SIG CONS BN. He served until his honorable discharge as staff sergeant at the end of World War II in 1945.

While serving in the Army, Herb contacted Lucy Palmer through a Latvian community newsletter. They corresponded throughout the war. They met for the first time at Lu's family farm in Michigan. In 1946, they married and made their home in Wisconsin, where they raised their three sons. After 45 of marriage, Lu died in 1991.

Herb married Helen Starin, a lifelong family friend from First Baptist Church Delevan, in 1992. They moved to Billings to be closer to Helen's daughter Peg and their family. Helen died in 2004. While living at Aspen View Retirement Home in Billings, Herb then met and married Nancy Dale. After eight years of marriage, Nancy died in 2013.

Herb was also preceded in death by a sister, Ella.

He is survived by a sister, Anita (Larry) Johns of New York; his three sons, Paul, Peter and Phillip, and their families; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Herb lived a full life from his early days of dancing at the Coconut Grove Night Club in his tuxedo to polka dancing with Lu listening to Lawrence Welk's music at Lake Lawn Lodge. He was a proud veteran, a master electrician, auto mechanic and carpenter as the need arose. Herb was involved in church, serving as a deacon and a choir member. He enjoyed camping and received many awards for his leadership in the Boy Scouts.

He was a loving father and husband. He will be missed. His faith in Jesus Christ has brought him home and given him peace.

Memorial services will be held in Wisconsin at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cremation and Burial Society in Missoula.

Read Herbert Hauns's Obituary and Guestbook.