Donna J. Andersen
One of the first things I learned about Herb, my dad’s cousin, was that he was in the car after I had been born and was brought home from the hospital - he was nine years old. I was born in Kalispell, Montana, Herb’s hometown. His mother Myrtle and my Grandma Gilbertson, Clara, were sisters.
I started piano lessons at age six, and when Herb visited our family on his way to or from college or during vacation travels, he would sit with me when I practiced. That was serious business and there were no shortcuts or skipping some exercises allowed! He was the organist at my wedding in 1970, by which time I had also become an organist, but nothing to compare to his life’s work as a professional pianist, organist, and Minister of Music within the church community.
Herb’s love of music - the sacred, classical, and theatrical - was only exceeded by his love of family, especially after marrying Frances and the birth of their daughters, Esther and Grace.
Herb’s significant talent delighted many. His devotion to faith and family was a hallmark of his life. I had many memorable visits with Herb over the decades and send my deepest condolences at this time of loss to his family.
