Herbert Osorio, 93
Herbert Osorio, 93, of Missoula, and a longtime resident of Kalispell, passed away at his home in Missoula on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017.
He was born on April 13, 1924, in Merida, Mexico, to Robert Osorio and Sara Sosa Osorio. As an infant, Herbert and his family moved to New York city where he became a naturalized citizen. He worked as a busboy and waiter in some of the most famous restaurants in New York city where he learned many foreign languages.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army April 3, 1943, to Nov. 1, 1945; re-enlisted Jan. 15, 1947, until retirement in 1965 with the rank command sergeant major. During his battles and campaigns in Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Korea he was highly decorated. Among his numerous awards, he received the Bronze Star (as a private) for distinguished service in World War II in France and Luxembourg (April 1945), the World War II Victory Medal AOM (Germany), ETO with silver star (5 campaigns), the Bronze Star (First Bronze Oak-leaf Cluster) as a Master Sergeant for meritorious service in Korea (1950-53), European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal (October 1945), Foreign Service Award: Wharang Distinguished Military Service Medal as a Master Sergeant for meritorious service in Korea, (1952-53), Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars for service from 1952-1953); Korean U.N. Medal, France Croix-deguerrew (1956), Letter of Comm-endation: First Place enlisted contestant and second over-all high score in the 25th Infantry Division Military Stakes Competition for 1959.
Herbert met Betty Feeney at a Christmas party in Anchorage, Alaska, and the couple married June 15, 1948. During his military career Herbert and his family traveled throughout the United States including Hawaii and Alaska while they were territories.
Upon retirement from the military, Herbert moved to Kalispell where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. For many years he managed the VFW Club. He was an avid stamp collector and belonged to the local philatelist-club. He worked for Rygg Ford selling cars before opening his own used car lot.
He was a devoted grandfather. He attended all his grandchildren’s important events and was present for many of the unimportant events as well. He entertained his grandchildren during the summer with fishing, camping and installing a swimming pool for their enjoyment. Although proud of all of his grandchildren, he was especially proud that one of his grandchildren followed him into military service as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Herbert followed his grandson’s career with great interest and enthusiasm.
Herbert is survived by his brother, Roberto Osorio; and his four children, Karlene (Francis) Khor of Kalispell, Debra (Jim) Thorson of Bakersfield, California, Linda (Don) St. Peter of Missoula, and John (Angel) Osorio of Cherry Hill, New Jersey; 10 grandchildren, Laura, Julie, Kristina, Andrea, Jonathan, Joseph, Jacqueline, Melissa, Meagan and Matthew; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his two sisters, his parents, one grandchild (Jimmy), and his beloved wife, Betty.
Rosary vigil service will be held at 5:30 p.m. today, Aug. 3, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with the Rev. John Miller as celebrant. Burial will take place at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery in Missoula.
Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.
Editor’s note: A separate obituary for Herbert Osorio appears on this page.