Charles J. Heringer Jr.

Our loving and caring father, brother, husband, grandfather and friend died on Dec. 8, 2008, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. For a man so devoted to the Blessed Mother, it was an honor to pass to eternal life on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Charles John Heringer, Jr., was born on April 17, 1924, to Charles and Clara Heringer in Newport, Ky. Chuck grew up in a loving family with two older sisters, Helen and Marian, who provided guidance and added spirit to his life. As youngsters, they oftentimes made Chuck perch on a chair and growl like a lion before they would let him play with them. In adult life, Helen and Marian were so proud of their little brother and his Montana accomplishments.

Chuck's parents owned and operated a saloon in northern Kentucky. As a young child, Chuck worked in the family business, delivered meat and sold magazines and newspapers to help his family during the Depression. Chuck attended and graduated from St. Xavier Catholic High School in Cincinnati, where he excelled in football and baseball. Although recruited to play football at Alabama, his mother Clara decided there was only one choice for college and that was the University of Notre Dame. Chuck played freshman football and made lifelong friends with some of Notre Dame's all-time great football players.

As with many men and women of Chuck's generation, he left college to serve his country in World War II and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Trained as a bombardier, Chuck flew 51 missions over North Africa and Italy in a B-24.

Upon honorable discharge from the service, Chuck returned to and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in economics and then attended law school. Chuck left law school 18 credits short of his law degree to pursue a career in the oil and gas business. He traveled to Midland, Texas, where he had completed his Air Force training, to start his career.

While in Midland, Texas, Chuck met many lifelong friends, including former President George and Barbara Bush. Breaking into the oil business was tough for a young man with no connections. A friend told Chuck if he really wanted to make it in the oil business, he should travel to the "New Frontier" - Montana. With $200 to his name, Chuck drove a friend's car to Billings in 1952.

Within one year of arriving in Billings, Chuck met the love of his life and lifelong companion, Marynell Curtis, while washing dishes at a dinner at St. Patrick's Church. They were married for 46 years and from their union were blessed with seven children, their children's spouses, 26 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. As a great example of his unwavering love, Chuck provided endless care and support to Marynell, especially during the last five years of her life when she suffered from COPD.

Chuck worked in the oil and gas business for 56 years and was self-employed his entire career. Chuck loved putting together and making deals. His business focused on leasing oil and gas mineral rights. He had the good fortune of working many years with his oldest son, Bucky. Through the development of his business, Chuck made many lifelong friends and put together many deals with a simple handshake.

In addition to running his own business, Chuck served many charitable organizations. He was particularly gifted with raising money for many good causes, including ZooMontana, Special K Ranch, the Billings Food Bank, St. Vincent's Foundation and the YMCA, to name a few. Chuck's passion was to support the Billings Catholic Schools. Chuck was instrumental in the development and growth of the Billings Area Catholic Education Trust (BACET), now the BCS Foundation, and Mayfair. To his final days, Chuck was trying to raise funds for the Teachers' Excellence Endowment and exploring ways to raise money for a new boiler at Billings Central High School.

Chuck was a vigorous protector of unborn children, defending their right to life. A diehard Republican, Chuck was pivotal in the successful campaigns of congressional, senate and presidential candidates. Chuck was fortunate to meet the last four presidents. He was also active in the Montana and Billings Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and committed to the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Malta.

Chuck and Marynell's greatest joy in life was watching their grandchildren's many activities. The grandchildren could always count on Grandma and Grandpa to watch their ball games, recitals and music programs. Almost every night, Grandma and Grandpa traveled throughout the city to attend as many grandchildren's activities as they could. Whenever possible, Grandpa also traveled to Minnesota and Denver to attend grandchildren's football, volleyball and hockey games. Whether it was watching the Griz take a run at the national championship, the Rams, Falcons, Golden Bears and Scarlets seeking another state title or following the Lady Cats in basketball, Grandpa was involved in his grandchildren's lives on and off the field. He will now be able to attend all games and support his grandchildren who have enjoyed much success over the years.

Chuck is survived by his sister, Helen; seven children and their spouses, as well as his 26 grandchildren and one-great grandchild: Susan and Jack King (Kevin and his wife Christie, Bryan, Casey and Erin); Bucky and Geri Heringer (Travis, Kelcy, Jenny and Tanner); Bartie and Ron Lebsock (Chris, Matt, Shawn, Nick and Connor); Mike and Pam Heringer (Jessica, Daniel, Michael, McLaine and Jordan); Judy and Dave Hallett (Paul, Charlie and Mary Kate); Kevin and Jill Heringer (Lindsey, Cassie and Eric); and Shawn and Judy Heringer (Ashley and Rachel) and great-grandchild Kylie King. His 26 grandchildren adored their Grandpa. Chuck was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marynell; his parents, Charles J. Heringer, Sr. and Clara Heringer; and sister Marian.

At Grandpa's request, the vigil and funeral mass will not be held until all his beloved grandchildren have completed their final examinations at school and have returned to Billings. Accordingly, the vigil will be at St. Patrick's Church on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. The funeral mass will be held on Monday, Dec. 22, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Pius X Church. Interment will be held at St. Pius Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13, at Dahl Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Billings Catholic Schools Foundation, PO Box 31158, Billings, MT 59107; St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, 1106 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101; or St. Patrick's Parish Center Renovation Fund, 215 N. 31st St., Billings, MT 59101. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.

Go Rams, Falcons, Golden Bears, Scarlets, Griz, Lady Cats, Mustangs, Raiders, Cadets, Hornets and, last but not least, the Fighting Irish!