HARDIN - Jake Yerger, 90, longtime area resident and farmer passed away Dec.5. 2007 in the Miles City Veterans Administration Nursing Home.
He was born Dec. 18, 1916, in Hardin, a son of Conrad and Katherine Mehling Yerger, Sr. He grew up and received his education in Hardin. Following his education, he worked for area farmers and broke horses.
Jake enlisted in the United States Army and later received his honorable discharge. While in the military, he developed a lifelong friendship with his Army buddy, Bill Skorupa. Following the service, he embarked on a farming career north of Hardin, specializing in raising beets, grain and hay. In 1979, he opened Yerger Equipment and became the Massey Ferguson Implement dealer, retiring from the dealership and farming in 1996.
He was a member of the Christ Evangelical and Reformed Church, a charter member of the local Elks Lodge, a past member of the American Legion and past president of the Big Horn Beet Growers Association.
Jake married Loytle Secrest in June of 1939 and she died in 1941. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Rehms on March 26, 1947, in Billings and the couple made their home on the family farm north of Hardin. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this spring. He enjoyed his cattle, horses and playing cards. However, he most enjoyed a good cigar.
His parents, Conrad and Katherine Yerger, Sr.; sisters Lydia Massiello, Elizabeth and Emily Besel; brothers Henry and George Yerger; and stepmother Elizabeth Kammerzell preceded Jake in death.
Survivors include his wife, Betty; his daughter, Linda (Walt) Watson; his sons, Larry (Cheryl), Connie (Nora) and John (Barbara) Yerger; his brothers, Victor (Beverly) Yerger of Forsyth and Conrad, (Lillian) Yerger, Jr. of Bozeman; 15 grandchildren, Jason (Tanya), Justin (Cori), Lori (Todd), Gimeelyn (Jason), Jason (Melissa), Josh (Miriam), Rob, Sarah (Thomas), Amy, Andrea, Chase, Devin and Cody; 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday Dec. 10, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Interment with military honors will follow in the Hardin Fairview Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the E & R Church or to the Big Horn County Historical Museum.
We appreciate all of the loving care provide to our loved one during his stay at the Miles City VA Nursing Home.
This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.
Connie and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss of your father. I have found memories of Jake from taking care of him in swing bed. I will always remember him and his cigar smoking days. With sympathy, Tory Zimmerman
Tory Zimmerman
December 10, 2007 | Hardin, MT
Jake was an amazing man and had the biggest heart of anyone i know. I remember when i was little and he would take me in his brown truck to check cattle, ill never forget those time. He was the best grandparent a grandson could have, and i will miss him greatly.
Cody Yerger
December 10, 2007 | Bridger, MT
Mrs. Yerger, Linda, Larry, Connie, John and family - I am sorry to hear of Jake's passing. I also remember his cigar smoke scent and seeing him eating cucumbers - skin and all. He did a lot in helping out my Grandparents Harold and Helen, when they needed help, especially my Grandmother Helen after Grandfather passed. May God bless your family and help you to get through this time by helping you remember the good times and help your hearts heal. Keep the good memories close to your heart....
Barboura (Sundine) Burnett
December 09, 2007 | Billings - Formerly Hardin, MT
Connie and Nora;
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult part of life. God Bless
Tina
Tina Power
December 08, 2007 | Billings, MT
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Jake's family. God Bless.
Bob & Joy Moerkerke
December 08, 2007 | Rhinelander, WI
We've lost another N valley farmer.
I grew up knowing Jake always with a cigar in his mouth, such a hard worker, loved the land he farmed.
Whenever my dad and he would visit usually on a cty road I always liked the smell of his cigar smoke.
I hope when he entered the pearly gates they let him in with the cigar as that was always part of him.
Our condolences, we must say so long for now, but glad he was here for us all as long as he was.
God bless, your in our prayers.
Selma Struck
December 08, 2007 | Hardin, MT
So sorry for your loss.
Carol McCracken
December 07, 2007
Remembered By
Ken Nedens
December 07, 2007 | LasVegas, NV
Remembered By
Scott Krogedal
December 07, 2007 | Billings, MT
