Gary S. Herzog was born November 30, 1963 in Redondo Beach, Ca. to Joseph & Rita Herzog. He passed away on September 13, 2021 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
At the age of 24, Gary met and fell in love with Kim Mattick. Coming into this relationship, Gary brought Suzanne and Lorien from a previous marriage, and Kim brought Keegan Mattick. Together, they rounded out their blended family with another son, Joseph. Gary and Kim were married on May 11, 1990.
In 1993 Gary and Kim moved their family to Montana where they fell in love with the land and they decided to plant their roots. Shortly after, they purchased land and a home outside of Frazer, MT, which is a source of great pride to them, and remained his home until the day he died. In 2015 he completed a dream of his; building a large wood-working and auto shop on his property with the help of family and friends. He could often be found here working on one of his many projects; from building baby furniture for his children and loved ones, to his Frankenstein vehicle project that he dubbed “The Fordillac”.
He started his time in Wolf Point working in construction, spent several years working at Gysler’s Hardware, then in the year 2000 he went to work as a yardman at Farmers Union Lumber where he made his 21-year career. In 2019 he was named the manager of Farmer’s Union Lumber. He liked to call himself the #1 wood dude and most folks would agree.
Gary was a jack of all trades and a man of many talents. He could do everything from roofing and plumbing, to electrical and automotive work. He was always happy to teach someone or lend a hand in any type of project. His other hobbies included welding, hunting, fishing, camping and whiskey drinking. He was a licensed ham radio operator, and a proud member of the Prairie Riders Motorcycle Club. He was encouraged to join the club by John Nesbitt, his long-time friend whom he considered a brother.
Gary is preceded in death by his mother, father, a grandchild, Lennox Johnson and a great niece, Eden.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Kim Herzog, sons Keegan (Karri) Mattick and Joseph Herzog, daughters Lorien Williams and Suzanne (Sam) Shumway, several grandchildren and many, many bonus children, his sister Judi (John) Imm, his niece Janelle and nephew Joseph, and his Massachusetts cousins, all whom he loved dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for the summer of 2022 out at the Herzog homestead where there will be dancing, drinking, and laughing to help celebrate the life of such a wonderful and beloved man.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Shane Gibson says
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shane & Diann
Eugene Stump says
Condolences to the family – Gary was a great guy – for the short time I knew him we had some great conversations – Rest In Peace Brother
kevin k Rasor says
my condolences to Garys family and friends,may he ride the heavens in peace and no pain.
Lori Tervola-Berger says
We are sorry that Gary passed away. He was a very nice man and he will be missed by many. He was a great help to us at the Lumber Yard. Smart man. Love and prayers to you all. William and Lori Tervola-Berger
Kim Matthews says
My deepest condolences to all. He will be truly missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers to one and all .
Nyla and Rocky Braaten says
So sorry for your loss, Gray will be missed. Prayers for the family.
Bonnie Reddig says
Dear family,
I always enjoyed chats with Gary. I worked for Cassco Insurance when i first met him and wrote the first policy for Ribbitkaws. Gary was always considerate and very helpful when ever I interacted with him. I enjoyed his leadership at the Farmer’s Union lumber. He had such a knowledge and great input. He will be missed by MR and me.
Prayers and condolences for your family
Kathy rauch says
Kim and family, so sorry for your loss. Virgil and I will be praying for all of you🙏🙏🙏🙏
May the Lord give you peace and comfort,
Virgil and Kathy Rauch
Jim Marmon says
I enjoyed working with Gary. He was a great manager and he is already missed. My condolences to the family.
paul huber says
Gary did things his way on his terms
far deeper than he let people see
thoughts and condolences to Sue and Joey, Kim
respectfully
Paul and Jane
Dawna Lee says
Sending love to the family. My heart breaks for you all. I’m praying for you sister 🙏 ❤ 💓 💛
Patti martin says
Aww am so sorry for his loss got to work with him and he was a lot of, fun condolences to his wife and children. Patti martin from hays….those were good old days at ace hardware…..
Cam Martin says
Kim & family so sorry for your loss, enjoyed the visits I had with Gary Cam Martin & family.
Tyler Desjarlais says
Gary was a respectable, hard working, and kind man. I respect him immensely and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to MAMA Kim and his children.
Jerri Grimsrud says
My heart goes out to Kim and their children. Gary was always so patient and helpful at the lumberyard. He had an amazing amount of working knowledge and was willing to share it. However what I remember Gary most for was his rough edged no frills character. Although he didn’t set out to impress others, as you got to know him you were impressed, he was the real deal. A truly good man…RIP Gary
Gunner Benavente says
Gee, what a shock!!! Just now found out. Such a nice guy, always friendly and helpful. He will be missed by so many.
Condolences, thoughts and prayers offered….
Alice Christensen says
My thoughts and prayers are with Kim and family. May you find comfort in each other and your friends.
Rev. Steven V. Smith says
Well Gary will certainly be missed. I’ve returned back to Alaska but made sure I stopped and visited him a few times in July and August. I thought he was going to pull through. Always like to raz this pastor always in fun. Enjoyed working with him. Always respectful of me even though his language would slip at times. Dawgone going to miss him. Praying for you Kim and the family. I know he loved his family Talk about you all often.
Warren Evans says
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go out for your family.
Kathy Dunne says
Kim and family I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences to you all.
Stephen Martin says
Kimmy,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Although I didn’t meet your husband in person, I could see from your posts how much you loved him.
RIP
Keith wolff says
Kim and family, my condolences. Gary was a great big heart and a great man
David fyfe says
I was very proud to work wit Gary for th 19years he will be very much missed .
Linda Pruyne says
Dear Kim and all of Gary’s family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss of such a wonderful man. Not living close enough to enjoy visits I was happy to be able to stay in touch with what Gary was doing, his life, his world and his exploits via Facebook and messenger. It didn’t take much to know this often gruff exterior man had a heart as big as all outdoors and a sense of humor that reminded me so much of his parents, my Aunt and Uncle. I was amazed at Gary’s skill & talent in the shop. He was a creative genius with his creations. It was easy to see he had a deep love for his craft and was a perfectionist who was proud of his work & accomplishments. I was so happy to renew our acquaintance (We had not seen each other since childhood) when he visited us Massachusetts cousins. He made such an effort to stay in touch and that meant we were important to him and he was in turn important & special to us. If a person could learn anything from Gary, it’s to live your life without reservation and with no regrets. He was genuine, the real deal. What you saw was what you got and if you were his friend, you knew that meant something. He left all of us, his wife, his family, his friends way to soon but he left a lot of himself behind with all the bonds he forged in his lifetime. Rest In Peace cousin Gary. You will be missed, you will be remembered, you are loved.
Peace & love, Massachusetts Cousin Linda
Laura Mattick says
What a beautiful memorial and photo of Gary. So happy you shared so many years together. May he rest in peace! Much love to you Kim and the family.
Laura Christoffersen says
Kim & family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was so sad and sorry to hear of Gary’s death…one of the good guys!
JG says
Such a wonderful, loving person and with humor! Need more like him! Your tears are of love in remembrance! Drink water when overwhelmed. Grief may last a few years: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. Massages, stretching, hot tubbing, exercise, company of loved ones….
Keegan Mattick says
Even into his last days, my dad was committed to his next projects. I saw him 2 months ago and he took me into the shop to show me his truck in progress. He was constantly working on something, whether it was our house or it was him getting off work and going to remodel someone else’s house just to take care of the family. He was a selfless man and sacrificed so much time to provide for his family, but it was something he loved. He is the reason I joined the Army, and I should have followed more of his footsteps.