Elver Andreas Hehn

Elver Andreas Hehn, passed away peacefully at the home of his son Quinton and wife Johnny in Missoula on December 30, 2014. Born to Richard and Magdalena (Nusz) Hehn on the family farm on February 9, 1922, Elver grew up in a German-speaking family and community.

Elver attended a one-room country school and graduated from Menno High School as senior class president in 1939, after which he continued farming. He married Bonnie Lou King on February 17, 1946, in his family's one-room country church. After farming for 14 years near Menno, Elver moved with his family to the Wapikia subdivision in Missoula, Montana, in 1960, where he resided for nearly 55 years.

Throughout Elver's life, he enjoyed close friendships with an older and a younger sister - Verlene Herrboldt, Menno, and Priscilla Corth, Rapid City (deceased).

Elver and Bonnie raised three children: Dr. Quinton (Johnny) Hehn, Missoula; Dr. Lynette Hill (Reg), Nampa, Idaho; and Warren Hehn, Missoula. Elver actively served the Evangelical United Brethren Churches in South Dakota and Montana as well as Missoula's First Evangelical Church for many years. He cleaned the churches, served on their church boards, drove the church buses, sang in the church's choirs, and helped build and maintain the churches and properties.

Elver and Bonnie always maintained an open door to their home and regularly entertained relatives and guests for tasty meals, overnight stays, evening get-togethers, and frequent drop-ins. They also actively supported their grandchildren's sports and particularly their musical events and often traveled hundreds of miles to attend them.

Elver's survivors include his three children, their spouses, as well as grandchildren: Brian Hehn and Teresa McHugh; Brandon and Tyler Hill; Larissa Marchand; and Aliecea and Shariah Hehn. In addition, Elver leaves one sister, twelve great grandchildren, seven nieces and nephews, and several cousins.

Elver was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Bonnie; his father and mother; Richard and Magdalena, and his sister, Priscilla.

A viewing will take place at Sunset Funeral Home at 7405 Mullen Road in Missoula between 9:00 and 12:00 on Friday, January 2. Elver's family will facilitate a special sharing time about Elver at 11:00.

A viewing in Menno, South Dakota, will extend from 9:30 on Monday, January 5 until 2:00, at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, at which time the final service will take place. Burial will follow at Menno Cemetery, where internment will occur.