Herbert Joseph Osorio, 93

Longtime Kalispell resident, Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Herbert Joseph Osorio died Aug. 1, 2017, in Missoula.

“Herb” was born April 13, 1924, in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, to Dr. Roberto and Sarah Sosa Osorio. He was a pre-schooler when his family, escaping a Mexican revolution, immigrated to New York city. Initially, he struggled at grade school with the English language, but he was a force to be reckoned with once he mastered it. He joined the United States Army, quickly climbed the ranks, distinguishing himself by becoming the youngest command sergeant major to serve in the history of the United States Army, until recently when his long standing record was broken. A highly decorated soldier, with medals awarded to him from United States, France and Korea, he served both in World War II and the Korean conflict, retiring after 25 years from the U.S. Army.

During a posting in Anchorage, Alaska, at a soldier/nurse dance, he met Betty Feeney of Minot, North Dakota, whom he married in 1948. They raised four children together, Karlene, Debra, Linda and John.

He chose to retire to the Flathead Valley, making his home in Kalispell for 48 years. He worked at Gambles, Manions and Rygg Ford. He owned several businesses and managed the VFW club in his later years.

For many years, he was delighted to share birthday parties with his granddaughter, Laura, with whom he shared the same birth day. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, teaching all his children and grandchildren the joys of the great outdoors. He enjoyed stamp collecting and was a member of the local Philatelist Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his two sisters, Ligia and Nidia; and his great-grandson, James Dean Thorson Jr.

He is survived by his brother, Roberto Osorio, of Cuernavaca, Mexico; his children, Karlene Osorio-Khor, Debra Thorson, Linda St. Peter and John Osorio; his 10 grandchildren, Laura, Julie, Kristina, Andrea, Jonathan, Joseph, Jacqueline, Melissa, Megan and Mathew; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, at 229 7th Street West in Kalispell.

Editor’s note: A separate obituary for Herbert Osorio appears on this page.