Herman John Mees

Herman John Albert Mees, Jr., 95, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at St. Patrick Hospital, of natural causes.

John was born on September 6, 1921, in Shepherd, MT, the 10th of 11 children born to Herman and Meta Mees. He started school in Carterville, and then his father enrolled him and his siblings in Rosebud School, as he thought they weren't learning enough. After graduating from high school, he earned $100 working in irrigation. He used that money to enroll in Billings Normal Teachers College. His education was interrupted by World War II, and he served in the Navy as a Seabee in the Pacific. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he completed his education and took a job teaching in McFarland, California. He taught at Kern Avenue School for 37 1/2 years.

On June 13, 1948, he married Irene Bachus, a fellow teacher, in Bakersfield, CA. They were married 49 1/2 years before Irene passed away in January, 1998.

In the 1950's John started working for the National Park Service as a seasonal ranger naturalist. He worked several summers at Petrified Forest and Crater Lake and then 20 summers in Glacier National Park.

In 1985, John retired from teaching. He and Irene moved to San Luis Obispo, CA. There they enjoyed many years of traveling during their retirement. He enjoyed square dancing (actually dancing of any kind), golf, and socializing with friends and family. He never tired of learning about the natural world and sharing his knowledge. He was a great storyteller and kept his audiences entertained.

In 2008, John moved back to Montana and chose Missoula to be near his daughter, Joanne, and her family. He met Julie Rubin, and they became fast friends. Julie and John enjoyed going out to dinner, shopping, and just watching TV together.

Survivors include his children, daughter Joanne (Doug) Muscutt, Lolo, and Rod (Cheryl) Mees, Georgetown, TX; granddaughter Regan, Lolo, numerous nieces and nephews, and his close friend, Julie Rubin, Missoula.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 21, at 1:00 pm at the Christian Life Center, 3801 S. Russell St, in Missoula.