Kelly R. Herrmann

KELLY R. HERRMANN, authentic mountain man and longtime Lima Montana resident, passed away peacefully in the arms of his twin sister Shelly on February 3, 2024.

Kelly was born in Logan, Utah on June 20, 1955 to LaRae (Rose) Herrmann and Randy Herrmann. He joined his three sisters, Cheri, Rene’, and twin, Shelly.

The family lived in various western states while Randy worked on high voltage line construction projects. They resided in Pollock Pines, California where Kelly and Shelly attended school until 1965 when they moved to Lima, MT. Kelly was proud to call Lima home for the rest of his life.

Kelly loved the mountains. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, hiker and horn hunter and loved spending time in his sheep wagon in the mountains. He was known for his uncanny skills and abilities in these areas. He could spot the game and a horn long before the rest of us could. 

When Kelly wasn’t at work, he enjoyed keeping a spotless house and immaculate yard and every spare minute in the mountains surrounding Lima.

A lifelong bachelor, he lived for his solitude, time spent with family and friends, and time doing what he wanted in the country.

Kelly enjoyed a good reputation as a hard worker and as someone always ready to help out. For eleven years he worked on the Union Pacific Railroad with the maintenance crew out of Lima and Monida. When this position was eliminated, he joined the Montana Highway Department maintenance crew. For 23 years Kelly drove truck, plowed snow, mowed medians and performed all the other tasks required by the position. He retired in 2012 leaving some great friends and coworkers he met along the way.

Sadly, in 2019, Kelly was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. With the help of his sisters and friends, he was able to remain in his own home until November of 2023 when he was welcomed at Big Sky Memory Care in Butte, MT. Then, after a fall resulting in a broken hip and following surgery, he was welcomed at Continental Care in Butte, MT where he received outstanding loving care until his passing.

Kelly is survived by his twin sister, Shelly Reap (Craig), his nephew Rocky Pulley (Bobbi), nieces Shannon Hildreth (Lee) and Tammy Shade, and nephews Tom Reap and Robert Reap (Amber), stepbrother John Powers (Sylvia) and brother-in-law Bob Boyd. He is also survived my numerous cousins and many, many friends.

Kelly was preceded in death by his mother, LaRae Powers, father Randy Herrmann, Stepfather Jim Powers, and Sisters Cheri Pulley and Rene’ Boyd.

The family would like to thank the great caregivers at Big Sky Memory Care and Continental Care for their loving care given to Kelly. Also, Honeybee Hospice is to be commended for the love and assistance given to Kelly in his final days.

Services will be conducted at the Lima multipurpose room on February 17, 2024 at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow at the Peat Bar.

Memorials may be made in Kelly’s honor to the Lima Swimming Pool, Lima Fire Department, or charity of your choice.