Robert A. “Lonnie” Hern

Robert A. “Lonnie” Hern, age 88, passed away Tuesday, March 26, at his home in Polson. Lonnie was born in Polson on April 27, 1924, the first child of D.A. and Louise Hern. Lonnie was named Robert Alonzo after his father David Alonzo. He became “Little Lonnie” and his dad was “Big Lonnie.” The nickname stuck even after he was grown and was over 6 feet tall. Later his son was Timmy Alonzo and now his grandson, Scout Alonzo, carries on the family name. His brother, Leonard, was born a year later followed by a sister, Arlene, nine years later. Lonnie graduated from Polson High School. During his school years he played basketball. Often he walked home to the Mountain View area because he stayed after school for basketball practice. After graduation he farmed with his father and brother, Leonard. The three were among the pioneer potato farmers in the Mission Valley. They grew certified seed potatoes for many years, and Lonnie was known as an excellent farmer. Lonnie built some of his own equipment and was an accomplished welder and machinist. He was meticulous in his care of his equipment and his crops. Lonnie married Ardell Cass Dec. 27, 1960, and celebrated 53 years of marriage this past December. Lonnie and Ardell had three children, Tim Alonzo, Lisa Louise and Becky Jo. The Herns built their dream home in Mountain View with the help of Ardell’s dad, Merritt Cass, and brothers Duane and Elmore Cass. They moved to their new home in October. 1968. Lonnie and Ardell were active in the local Potato Growers Association and continued to farm grow certified seed potatoes, barley and wheat. This was a family affair, and the whole family spent many hours rouging potatoes, changing irrigation pipe and doing other chores on the farm. As the kids got older, they helped with the digging in the fall and sorting in the spring. Ardell and Lonnie also spent many happy times with their kids. They enjoyed the lake, picnics and all the wonders of the area. They also went on successful farm tours to Hawaii and a farm cruise to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Jamaica. They went fishing in Mexico with Leonard. Lonnie caught a beautiful blue marlin, which hangs on the wall in their home. It gave him a battle, and he said he was ready to cut the line before he managed to get it on board. On Oct. 7, 1976, son, Tim, was killed in a motorcycle accident while he was on his way out to the field to join his dad. This was devastating for the family, and Lonnie decided he no longer wanted to farm. Lonnie spent many hours grooming his yard, growing raspberries and a large garden, caring for the family horse, and walking his dog. On June 5, 1992, daughter Becky was killed in a motorcycle accident on the Polson Hill. Again, the family was devastated, and Lonnie never fully recovered. Lonnie was a hardworking, honest man. He spent his entire life living in the Mountain View area. He loved sitting in his chair surrounded by those he loved, with a view of the Mission Mountains outside his window. He had a great faith in his God, his fellow man and his family. He loved the land and never tired of seeing things grow. In later years, he liked to drive around and look at crops. Lonnie was a man of few words, but was ever grateful for his much-loved daughter, Lisa, and his beloved grandchildren Cheyenne and Scout Pomeroy. He loved his wife and family unconditionally. He is also survived by his brother, Leonard Hern of Toston; sister, Arlene Erickson of Polson; sister-in-law, Elinor Collins of Polson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his children, Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, David and Louise Hern; his in-laws, Merritt and Frances Cass; brothers-in-law, Duane and Elmore Cass, Bill Erickson and George Collins. Services are planned for Saturday, March 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson. Donations can be made to the Good Shepherd Building Fund. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.