Lionel E. “Sonny” Herreid, 87

Lionel E. “Sonny” Herreid, 87, went to be with his wife of 60 years, Gail, on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 at his home. He was born May 17, 1934 to Ernest and Wilma Herreid in Polson. He was the second of four children, including Dorrene, Shirley and Dale.

Sonny served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. He married E. Gail Kimball on April 10, 1957. They were married for 60-plus years, during which they had five T’s — Tammie (Barry) Zeiser; Tim (Geri); Teresa; Todd (Koko) and Tedd (Steph), and 13 grandkids and numerous great-grandkids.

Sonny enjoyed his woodworking and fishing with his bride at Camp Tuffit.

They lived in Polson until purchasing a farm in Valley View in 1963. Sonny drove a logging truck while he ranched and raised beef cows. The ranch and dairy life took up their time until 1981, when they moved back to Polson. He continued to work for Lake County, driving trucks. After retiring from the county, he drove a school bus for the Polson School District. He finally hung up his keys and retired to fishing, snoozing on the deck in the summer at Camp Tuffit, his home away from home, and building bird houses in the winter.

He spent his free time having a toddy or two with his good friends. He never stopped talking about the good times with the “work party gang” at Tuffit.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail; his parents, Ernest and Wilma Herreid; his siblings, Dorrene, Shirley and Dale; and an infant granddaughter, Robin.

Graveside services were held Dec. 24. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.