Robert L. Evertz

JOLIET - Robert L. Evertz, 93, of Joliet, 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 for his sense of humor and wit by his many friends, coffee buddies, caregivers and family. He was a mentor to many with his "Bobisms."

Bob was born on Aug. 15, 1917, in Terry, 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 at Joliet and continued until his mid-80s.

On Oct. 8, 1947, he married Betty Roos of Terry in Fromberg. 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 Montana Extension Advisory Council. He also was involved as a leader in Boy Scouts, FFA and 4-H. Bob was an active member of St. John's Catholic Church for 77 years.

Honors and awards include: 1970 Outstanding Conservationist for Carbon Soil Conservation District; in 1974, MSU Chapter of Alphi Zeta as Mr. Agriculture for outstanding practices in the profession of agriculture; Joliet Lions Community Service Award in 1988; and he spent five years a Community Leadership Program known as "Kellogg Extension Education Program" that included a highlight trip to Japan.

He was the first of five children. 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, Wyo., Gary (Elaine) Evertz, Greg (Collette), both of Joliet, and Chris (Leslie) Evertz of Busby; longterm foster children, Scott, Kim, Peggy, Tonitte and Tanna, plus many other foster children for over 30 years. They also have 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Virgil services will be 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at St. John's Catholic Church, Joliet. Funeral Mass will be held there at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at St. John's. Rite of committal with military honors will follow at the Joliet Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to Joliet Community Center or charity of choice.

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.michelottisawyers.com.