Herbert Osorio

Herbert Osorio, 93, of Missoula and a longtime resident of Kalispell passed away at his home in Missoula on Tuesday August 1, 2017. He was born on April 13, 1924 in Merida, Mexico to Robert Osorio and Sara Sosa Osorio. As an infant, Herbert and his family moved to New York City where he became a naturalized citizen. He worked as a busboy and waiter in some of the most famous restaurants in New York City where he learned many foreign languages. He enlisted in the U.S. Army April 3, 1943 to Nov. 1, 1945; reenlisted Jan. 15, 1947 until retirement in 1965 with the rank Command Sergeant Major. During his battles and campaigns in Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy Northern France, Rhineland and Korea he was highly decorated. Among his numerous awards, he received the Bronze Star (as a private) for distinguished service in World War II in France and Luxembourg (April 1945), the World War II Victory Medal AOM (Germany), ETO with silver star (5 campaigns), the Bronze Star (First Bronze Oak-leaf Cluster) as a Master Sergeant for meritorious service in Korea (1950-53), European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal (October 1945), Foreign Service Award: Wharang Distinguished Military Service Medal as a Master Sergeant for meritorious service in Korea, (1952-53), Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars for service from 1952-1953); Korean U.N. Medal, France Croixdeguerrew (1956), Letter of Commendation: First Place enlisted contestant and second over-all high score in the 25th Infantry Division Military Stakes Competition for 1959.
Herbert met Betty Feeney at a Christmas party in Anchorage, Alaska and the couple married June 15, 1948. During his military career Herbert and his family traveled throughout the United States including Hawaii and Alaska while they were territories. Upon retirement from the military, Herbert moved to Kalispell, Montana where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. For many years he managed the VFW Club. He was an avid stamp collector and belonged to the local philatelist-club. He worked for Rygg Ford selling cars before opening his own used car lot. He was a devoted grandfather. He attended all his grandchildren's important events and was present for many of the unimportant events as well. He entertained his grandchildren during the summer with fishing, camping and installing a swimming pool for their enjoyment. Although proud of all of his grandchildren, he was especially proud that one of his grandchildren followed him into military service as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Herbert followed his grandson's career with great interest and enthusiasm.
Herbert is survived by his brother Roberto Osorio and his four children, Karlene (Francis) Khor of Kalispell, Debra (Jim) Thorson of Bakersfield, Calif., Linda (Don) St. Peter, Missoula, John (Angel) Osorio of Cherry Hill, N.J; ten grandchildren, Laura, Julie, Kristina, Andrea, Jonathan, Joseph, Jacqueline, Melissa, Meagan, Matthew; and eleven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, his parents, one grandchild (Jimmy) and his beloved wife, Betty.
Rosary vigil service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, August 3rd at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Friday, August 4th at St. Anthony Catholic Church with the Rev. John Miller as celebrant. Burial will take place at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery in Missoula. Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.