Partly Cloudy, 68° F
(Aug. 15, 1917-Jan. 11, 2011)
Robert L. Evertz, 93, of Joliet, Mont., died Jan. 11, 2011 in Billings. He died peacefully with his wife, Betty, and children at his side.
Bob (“that’s with one ‘o,’” as he would introduce himself) was well known by his friends, coffee buddies, caregivers and family for his sense of humor and wit. He was a mentor to many by means of heartfelt advice and “Bobisms.”
Bob was born on Aug. 15, 1917 in Terry, Mont., to George and Ann (Kolasky) Evertz. His family moved to Joliet in 1935, where he graduated from Joliet High in 1936. Following high school, he entered the Army Field Artillery, and then served as 1st lieutenant in the Air Force as a pilot on a B-24 bomber. Upon discharge from the service in 1944, he began ranching in Joliet and continued until his mid-80s.
On Oct. 8, 1947, he married Betty Roos of Terry, Mont., in Fromberg, Mont.
They lived their lives in the Joliet area. Both Bob and Betty were licensed foster parents for 30 years. He was involved in many service organizations, which included Joliet Lion’s for 50 years, American Legion for 55 years, Carbon County Planning Board for 24 years, Joliet School Board for 20 years, Joliet Rural Fire District Board for 18 years, Carbon County Fair Board for 10 years, Carbon County Local Government Study for 10 years, Rural Area Development Committee for several years, and four years on the Montana Extension Advisory Council. He was a founding member of the Joliet Community Center. He also was involved as a leader in Boy Scouts, FFA and 4-H. Bob was also an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church for 77 years.
Bob’s honors and awards include the 1970 Outstanding Conservationist for Carbon Soil Conservation District, 1974 MSU Chapter of Alphi Zeta as Mr. Agriculture for outstanding practices in the profession of agriculture and the 1988 Joliet Lions Community Service Award. Additionally, he spent five years in a community leadership program known as the “Kellogg Extension Education Program,” which included a trip to Japan.
Bob was the eldest of five children, one having died in infancy. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Frank Evertz, John Evertz and Maryann Finley.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty (Roos) and his four children, Lynn Evertz of Powell; Gary (Elaine) Evertz and Greg (Collette) Evertz, both of Joliet; and Chris (Leslie) Evertz of Busby, Mont.; and longterm foster children, Scott, Kim, Peggy, Tonitte and Tanna; plus many other foster children for more than 30 years. They also have 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass was held Saturday, Jan. 15 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Joliet. Memorial contributions may be made to Joliet Community Center or a charity of choice.
