Henry Baertsch
Henry Harold Baertsch, 90, of Polson, MT, passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at the Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center of natural causes.
Henry was born on March 21, 1920 in Somers, MT to Andrew and Laura Hume Baertsch. His parents separated when Henry was a baby and he lived with his mother in Kalispell until the age of 10 when he then went to live with his father, who was a homesteader near Lonepine, MT. Henry attended Lonepine School, where he graduated from eighth grade and attended two years of high school.
When Henry was 21, he left Lonepine and lived in Missoula and then Stevensville where he worked on farms. He lived in Plains briefly before settling in Paradise. After working at various part-time jobs, he was hired by Northern Pacific Railroad, where he worked for 33 years before retiring in 1980. After retiring, Henry moved to Plains where he resided until October of 2003. He then moved to the Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Henry enjoyed collecting, and at one time had an extensive collection of bells, plus other small miscellaneous collections. He was an avid gardener and a word search puzzle fan. He was also a frequent attendee at the annual Lonepine School Alumni Association Banquet.
Henry was preceded in death by an older brother, Arthur, both of his parents, and one half-sister, Helen.
He is survived by two half-sisters, Susie and Myrtle, and four half-brothers, James Robert, Charles, and Billy. He is also survived by first cousins Oscar & Loyal “Buck” Baertsch of Polson, MT., John Baertsch of Helena, Mercedes LeDesky of Kalispell, Lillian LeDesky of Great Falls, MT., & Milton Weimer of Minnesota City, Minn.
Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be at Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell. At Henry’s request, no memorial services will be held. Memorials may be made in Henry’s name to the John C. McCoy Scholarship Fund, c/o Alan McCoy, PO Box 8, Lonepine, MT 59848.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is honored to assist Mr. Baertsch’s family.
I visited Henry with my Grandpa Oc on a few of occasions. He was always fun to talk to with great stories to share. I am sorry for his passing, but his pain and discomfort are now gone as he makes his new journey to a new life. God Bless
We tried to visit Henry each time we came to Montana. We remembered his visits with his cousin, Amanda Mero, near Kalispell and were happy to hear his stories and learn more of his family history. We’ll miss seeing him. We missed seeing him this visit by just one day.
I too remember that cousin Henry went to visit my Grandmother Amanda Baertsch Mero on Lower Valley Road. They seemed to have such a good time together and enjoyed each other’s company. We will miss that great smile, but always remember him fondly.
We visited with Henry when we were vacationing in Montana in 2004. We will always remember his smile and his stories. We are sad to hear of his passing, but we now know his discomfort is gone. We will say a prayer for Henry and his family.
Just heard about Henry and would like to send our regards
During my High School years, Henry would show up at Mom and Dad’s house every Saturday morning about 9:00 o’clock to visit with Grandpa Baertsch (his uncle Oscar) and us. I still remember his forever sweat-drenched shirt and jovial smile like it was yesterday. Henry was always laughing and telling stories that made Grandpa smile. He had a keen mind and an amazing memory regarding the Baertsch family history. He was a good man. God bless him.
I worked with henry on the railroad from 1971 to when henry retired at paradise my self and my wife janet went to see henry on his 90th birthday we sure had a good time talking about railroad days henry was very proud that his birtday was on the first day of spring we will miss henry but he is in a better place God bless.
I worked with henry on the railroad from 1971 to when henry retired at paradise my self and my wife janet went to see henry on his 90th birthday we sure had a good time talking about railroad days henry was very proud that his birtday was on the first day of spring we will miss henry but he is in a better place God bless.
I miss Henry and our talks..
I will miss Henry dearly. He will never be forgotten and always remembered.