Karl Heberle Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Karl Heberle, who left this world peacefully of natural causes on the afternoon of July 1 at the age of 92.

Karl was the most humble, loving, and hardworking man we knew. He lived his life with quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and a profound devotion to family. Never one to seek recognition or accolades, he let his actions speak for themselves. The life he built and the way he treated others left a lasting impact - one that resonated far beyond words.

Born in Plevna, MT, on October 23, 1932, to Karl and Adeline Heberle, he was the fifth of eight children. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, a principle he carried with him throughout his life. Whether working long hours to support his family or lending a helping hand to a friend, he gave of himself fully and without hesitation. His humility and dedication earned the deep respect of all who knew him.

Karl and his brothers owned and operated a family-run Ford dealership, a cornerstone of Forsyth that remains to this day. Through that business, he not only built a livelihood but also forged lasting relationships rooted in trust, fairness, and friendship. His dedication and work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone who walked through the doors. Karl served as President of the Montana Automobile Dealers Association in his younger years. He was also immensely proud of his years of service on the Forsyth Fire Department and Forsyth City Council.

He had a deep love for aviation and found both peace and purpose in the skies. He often took to the air in his cherished Cessna 182 (N735QK), where he felt at home.

An avid golfer, Karl was rarely happier than with a club in hand, enjoying the course with his many friends. Over the years, he achieved the rare and enviable feat of eight holes-in-one - a testament to his skill and passion for the game. He was also a devoted sports fan who rarely missed a St Louis Cardinals game, a Griz football Saturday, or a NASCAR race - especially when his longtime favorite, Bill Elliott, was behind the wheel.

To know him was to admire him. To be loved by him was a true gift. We will miss his wisdom, his warmth, and the quiet way he made everything better just by being present. To his family, he was our rock - a steady, grounding presence in a changing world. He taught us the importance of patience, gratitude, and treating others with respect.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Adeline Heberle; his brothers Erwin, Ray, Clarence, and Elmer; and his sister Lillian.

He is survived by his loving wife Rosella, who has been by his side for 40 years; his daughters Karlene Berish (Jack) of Billings, MT, and Kelly Heberle of Dallas, TX; and his grandchildren Carson Berish (Milene) of San Diego, CA, Case Berish of Missoula, MT, Lauren Morales of New York City, NY, and Ryan Morales of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Stevens of Ripon, CA, and brother Fred Heberle of Forsyth, MT - along with his stepchildren Joanne Wahl of Long Beach, CA, and Tim Wahl of Bradenton, FL. Additionally, he leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews. Each of us will carry a piece of his heart and his enduring legacy.

The family would like to thank Karl's good friend Tom Clifford, who was always there for him, and especially towards the end. Tom was Karl's "go to" guy for anything. Karl especially enjoyed the multiple times Tom took him flying in "their" Cessna. Also thanks to his nephew Brent, who always made time to check in on Karl and often included him on road trips, which he loved.

Memorials can be made to the Rosebud Community Hospital, where staff there always treated Karl with kindness and respect; the Forsyth Country Club; the Forsyth Fire Department; or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of his life will be held on September 19 at 1 p.m. at the Forsyth Country Club, a place he loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Karl by performing a simple act of kindness for someone in need - just as he would have done.

He taught us that strength comes from kindness, that success is born of hard work, and that life is best lived with gratitude and grace. While we are heartbroken to lose him, we are incredibly grateful to have had him in our lives. Karl R Heberle