Herbert George Fillbach Jr.

On February 1, 2023, we lost a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend after a long battle with health issues. Herbert (Herb) George Fillbach Jr. was born June 26, 1946, to Helen (Hokkenan) Fillbach and Herbert G. Fillbach Sr. Shortly after Herb’s younger brother Dave joined the family and the two went on many adventures together. One of Herb’s fondest memories was going camping with his family when he was young. Family was very important to Herb. He worked along side his father in high school at Herb’s 66. He was proud to be able to work along side his father and learn from him. Herb joined the service June 16, 1966, and honorably served as a Navy seaman. During his service he crossed the Equator and the International Date Line while serving in USS Duluth (LPD6). He had many pictures of his adventures oversees. He was very proud of his service in the Navy and was passionate about Veteran’s affairs. After returning from the service, Herb married Patsy Ygnatowiz. Although Herb and Patsy later divorced, they remained friends. He was part owner of Butte Amusement, a video gaming company in Butte, MT. He made many friends and was grateful for each of the relationships he made during this time. He later worked for Pierce Flooring, until his retirement. On March 20, 1993 Herb married Sherry Braiser McNellis. They would have celebrated their 30th anniversary this year. Sherry brought to the marriage a daughter, Amy McNellis and son, John McNellis. Herb loved Amy and John like his own and embraced his role as grandfather when Savanna McNellis, Cassidy Harned, Francesca “Frankie” McNellis, and James Holodnick, all joined the family. Each one of them had a special place in Grandpa Herbie’s heart. He was so proud of each of his grandchildren and then great-grandchildren came, and he was over the moon with happiness. Kyi Doolittle, Jessa Harned-Moralez, and Reid Jessop, brought so much joy to his heart and home. Herb was incredibly proud of his nephews Matthew and Shawn Fillbach, “The Fillbach Brothers”, and would show everyone who came to visit the amazing cartoons and books they have illustrated and written. He gushed over the amount of creativity and success his nephews achieved. Herb loved the Denver Broncos and the New York Yankees and loved going to games. He and Sherry did a lot of traveling with his favorite place being Wendover, NV. He loved music, sports, and was an avid bowler, missing his perfect score of 300 with a 299. Herb is preceded in death by his parents, Herb, and Helen Fillbach, mother-in-law Phyllis Brasier, and brothers-in-law, Bud and Frank Brasier. He is survived by his brother Dave (Clara) Fillbach, Las Vegas, NV., nephews Matthew and Shawn Fillbach, Las Vegas, NV. His “girl” as he so sweetly referred to his wife Sherry Fillbach, son John (Agnes) McNellis, Los Angeles CA, daughter Amy Holodnick (Steve Kittel), Helena MT. His beloved grandchildren Savanna (Kevin Doolittle) McNellis, Helena MT, Cassidy Harned-Jessop (Alan), Butte. MT, Frankie McNellis, Los Angeles, CA., James Holodnick, Helena, MT, and his great-grandchildren Kyi, Jessa, and Reid, sister-in-law Jean Brasier. Herb is also survived by extended family Jim Holodnick, Gene Harned, Jomel & Alexis de Jesus, Aspen & Nayvie Jessop, and Josh Harned. A special thank you to his granddaughter Cassidy Harned-Jessop. She has spent the last several years caring for Grandpa Herbie. Cassidy and grandpa had a very special relationship, and it meant the world to him to have this extra special time with you. The family would like to thank the staff at St. James Healthcare for the amazing care you provided Herb during his illness. Donations can be made in Herb’s name to one of the many Veteran’s organizations in Montana or the charity of the donor’s choice. Services will be held at Wayrynen-Richard’s funeral home, 1800 Florence Ave, Butte, MT, Saturday February 11, 2023, at 11am with a reception to follow services at East Side Athletic Club, 3200 Dexter St. Butte, MT. “Bonus Dad, I may not have your genes, but you chose to love me as your own, and for that you are forever my hero.”

Tributes

Herbert George Fillbach Jr.

June 26, 1946 - February 1, 2023