Herman E. Whisennand

Herman E. Whisennand, 101, of Plains passed away peacefully in his sleep October 14th 2015 at Clark Fork Valley Long Term Care. He was born to Charlie and Arabelle Whisennand on July 13, 1914 in Cando, North Dakota. When Herman was 7 years old the family settled near Nashua, Montana. During the building of the Fort Peck Dam Herman’s family started the boomtown of New Deal for the workers of the project. After the dam was finished New Deal closed down and Herman’s family moved to Fairfield, Montana to open up a Gambles store. In Fairfield Herman met Catherine Bredenbroker and they were married July 21, 1940. Herman and Catherine were married 65 years and had 5 children. After living in Portland, OR and Great Falls, MT the family settled in Plains in 1953.

Herman was active in many organizations including the Plains Paradise Senior Citizens, Clark Fork Shrine Club, Kathryn C. Johnson Chapter #132 OES, and Ponemah Masonic Lodge #63 AF & AM.

Herman served his community in the Montana Air National Guard, Plains Volunteer Fire Dept. and as both a deputy and the Mayor of Plains. Herman and Catherine also owned and operated the Garden Gift and Liquor store in Plains for 5 years.

Herman was well known around Plains for recycling aluminum cans which funded many trips around the world. His favorite place was Scotland.

Herman is survived by his brother Melvin (Donna) of Bothell, WA, his 5 children: Leona Ekstrom, Charles (Edith) Whisennand, Margaret Whisennand, James (Kristen) Whisennand, JoAnne (Dave) Colyer as well as many grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, a brother William, a sister Mae, his wife Catherine and two son in laws: Wesley Ekstrom, and Othelius Storoy.

A memorial service will be held November 7th, 2015 at 2:00 at the Grange Hall in Plains.

Sunset Hills Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.