Herschel H. Leist, 93, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at his daughter's home in Kalispell. He was born in Purdum, Neb., on Nov. 14, 1913, to John and Hortense (Mapes) Leist.

The early years were spent in Minnesota, Arkansas, Kansas, and during the Great Depression in Nebraska.

Then, with his ailing father, he moved to Houston, Mo., until his father passed away in 1936. From there he journeyed to Casper, Wyo., where he completed an apprenticeship in recapping tires at the Vito Cap shop. In the early '40s he moved to Albuquerque, N.M., to work in another Vito Cap shop, working there until the war broke out. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 and within a year was overseas, in England, flying in a B-24 bomber, bombing occupied France and Germany; from England to a time in Africa, Italy, and then back to England. He completed 27 missions and was sent Tonopah, Nev., to instruct new recruits in aerial gunnery on B-24 bombers.

In 1944, he married his Missouri sweetheart, Jean Gourley, and they lived in Tonopah. In 1945, they moved back to Casper, where they lived for 55 years. During his time in Casper he worked in the oil patch as a welder, construction as an ironworker, and finally for the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training promoting apprenticeships in all trades, until retiring in 1978.

Herschel was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean; a daughter, Connie; and a son, Gordon.

He is survived by his son, Sterling, and Vicki Leist of League City, Texas; and daughter, Delores "Dori" Leist of Kalispell. He also leaves five grandchildren, Rachel Brooks, Shannon and Erick Patton, Rebekah and Jeff Smith, Susan Carter, and Nathan and Joy Leist; and five great-grandchildren.

The family suggests that a gift of remembrance of Herschel be given to the Gideon's International, Hospice, or the charity of your choice,

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.