Herman Red Elk, III, a member of the Rides the White Horse Clan, passed away November 5th 2020 at St. Vincents Hospital in Billings, MT.
Herman was born May 11, 1954 to Herman Red Elk, Jr. and Alberta Kennedy in Poplar MT.
He was part of the Morman Placement Program where in 1966, Herman was raised in the home of Rulan and Margaret Callister and family. He attributed his success in life to the hard work ethics Herman taught to his own sons and daughters, learned on the family farm.
Herman jumped on his motorcycle after his junior year in 1971, saying he needed to get back to his roots, graduating from Rapid City High School, Rapid City SD, in 1973.
Herman joined the United States Navy after high school following the deep military roots of his ancestors. He was honorably discharged after returning from the Vietnam War.
Herman returned to Poplar MT, where he met Bonnie Clincher. They were married May 11, 1985 in Poplar. He raised Bonnie’s son Clifford Country as his own. The family home grew by three more, joined by Charley Jae, Vern James and Randy Leon Red Elk.
Herman later started Red Elk Renovations, he was never undeterred by the winter storm calls at 2am for furnace calls or the 3am calls by his children. He made sure he was there to help and always would make a way for peoples calls for help were completed.
He and Bonnie took in many nieces, nephews and family, guiding each and opening their home with a good heart. Some of them were Keith Kennedy, Angie Kennedy Figueroa, Joseph Cloud Boy, Mundo Cloud Boy, Carly Clincher, Josephine Youngman (Ilona jo),and Derrick Red Elk.
Herman loved his family and their home was always filled for family dinners, having Grandma Lenore over every Sunday evening. The famous Red Elk reunions every other summer were very special to him as family from across the country attended. He took his family every summer to the Black Hills in Rapid City to stay in the home of family friend Ken Bergland.
We will always remember you in a good way. We took for granted that you would always be here for the dinners, the attendance at games, the teasing, the calls and short visits. We thank you and we love you and we will miss you immensely.
Herman is survived by children Charley(Lee)Snell, Vern(Winter)RedELk, Randy Red Elk all of Poplar and Holly Red Elk of New York. Grandchildren Adrian and Joseph Red Elk, Kansas. Hazel Marie Red Elk and Carolann Lenore Country of Wolf Point. Sisters Valerie (Royal)Schurz, Az. Kim Adams, OH. Brother Marlon Red Elk, AZ. Adopted brothers Jay, Seth and Jeff Callister, ID. and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren, all who he was proud of and had many special memories.
Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie Clincher Red Elk, son Clifford Country, Brother Eugene Lorne Red Elk, Sisters Randi, Kathy Red Elk Cloud Boy and Sandra Red Elk, Cousin Keith Red Elk.
Herman had many family and friends who he adopted as family, we apologize if we left anyone out.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 15, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial CHapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 16, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 15, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial CHapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 16, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Jet says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Verne char and Randy grandfathers and grandmothers watch over them Herman will be missed by many we had lots of crazy X I’ll miss you cuz watch over your kids till we meet again. Jet
Laura Christoffersen says
Prayers to Herman’s family…I had several very thoughtful conversations with Herman through the years and counted him as a friend.
Gina says
Prayers to my cousin Herman’s family…
Rest easy cousin.
Lovina Fox says
My sincere condolences to his children an grandchildren.
Sharon says
Sorry to read of Herman’s passing. He was a good neighbor for many years. Prayers to the family
David E. & Chong Ae Boyd says
Herman when I first heard of your death I don’t know why but I remember you getting bite on the neck by that horse while sitting on the corral. Childhood memory I guess. God speed sailor and prayers for your family especially Char and Valerie
Rose Morsette says
Condolences Herman’s family.Your father helped mannppl and we are thankful,Prayers for the family 🙏🏼
Traci LeVay-Holt says
RIP Herman. You were one of a kind and will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Patt Iron Cloud Runs Through says
I love you Tahanshi Herman. God bless your beautiful journey, I know you are happy. We are very sad. God bless your children. Hugs and prayers sent to your babies and Takojapi. Grandma Patt 🇺🇸🇺🇸😞😞😭😭💔💔
Sheldon Headdress says
Condolences to the Red Elk family, Herman and I went to the same school in Pocatello Idaho,and I considered you a brother ever since.Gunna miss you brother. Sheldon Headdress
Penny Kaleva says
Rest In Peace Herman. You will be missed. Prayers for your family and friends. God will watch over your kids.
Crystal says
My condolescences to Herman’s family. He was always friendly and said hello. God bless your family!
Carlene Ferguson says
Rest Easy Cuz !
Auntie Cissy says
Journey well Cousin and Rest Easy when you get there. You’ll be missed but no more pain or sickness now.
My heart, prayers for God’s comfort now and for the days to come are with you Vern, Randy and Char. I love you all.
Donald Lee Boyd says
R.I.P Uncle Herman Red Elk
Not Suffering Anymore And Pain Free My Prayers And Condolences To Cousin Vern&Randy&Char Red Elk..
Mike C. says
Thanks for knowing you old bro. Rest in peace…i’m not far behind you.
Jamie Ryan Lockman says
Herman blessed me and my family with understanding, kindness, and patience. His loss is profound, but I hope we all remember his strength and generosity; that will be his legacy. God bless Herman’s family and his memory.
r jay callister says
Herman, no pain, with your loved ones. My heart goes out to those left behind. Wish I could come say good bye. Hopefully next year at your memorial service. You know I love and am thinking about you.
emma groat says
Rest now cous[n Emm Mae (cantrell ) Groat wished we had more time to know each other. My mother and Aunt A[berta were sisters so were cousins. It was good to meet you
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
Cousin, travel well on that road of stars to the other side where family waits for you. Thought about you yesterday and today as folks said goodbye. Many of us will miss visiting you. Sending thoughts of strength, prayers and comforting memories to your children.
John and Stacey Summers says
Condolences to Vern, Char, and Randy on the loss of your father. Herman was a hardworking man who cared about his children. He worried about the kids hoping for the best for them. I didn’t know Herman until his wedding with cousin Bonnie and family at the Cultural center in Poplar seemed like only yesterday. He was crazy loved to drive fast in his old gray pickup. How time flies. Herman RIP and may the Lord comfort his family and friends.
John and Stacey Summers