William “Ray” Hinerman
Ray Hinerman, 95, died October 6, 2026 at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Montana of natural causes.
William Ray Hinerman, Jr., was born September 23, 1931, on a farm near Larslan, Montana to William Ray, Sr., and Anna (Garbe) Hinerman. He attended Harmony and Larslan schools and was a 1949 graduate of Nashua High School. After high school he continued farming in the Larslan area.
He married Katherine Margaret (Peggy) Walsh in 1956. A son, Neal James, was born August 31, 1959. They lived in a trailer home on the Hinerman farm. One winter Ray worked on the Fort Peck Powerhouse #2 while they lived with Peggy's mother in Nashua. In 1961 they moved to Nashua where he worked on highway construction and later moved to Glenburn, North Dakota, where Ray drove a gravel truck for the missile site. Finally, they moved to Whitefish, Montana. For a time they cared for cattle on the ranch of an old friend from grade school days. Later they moved into Whitefish and bought a home. Ray worked for the Great Northern Railroad (later Burlington Northern) for the B&B (bridge and building crew) until he retired in 1993.
Ray and Peggy divorced in 1973. Son, Neal graduated from Whitefish High School in 1977 and currently works as a computer tech in California. Ray married Lenore Olson in Glasgow January 7, 1995, and they lived in Glasgow. They enjoyed much traveling beginning with a Caribbean Cruise and ending with an Alaskan Cruise. They also relished many Laird Travel Bus Tours throughout the U.S. and Canada. They also avidly used their travel trailer for sightseeing and attending family reunions.
Preceding Ray in death were his parents, his ex-wife Peggy, his wife Lenore and her daughter, Ginny Enman, and daughter-in-law, Rose Olson; sisters, Alice Hinerman, Ethel Maki and her husband Lloyd, Ileen Hanson and her husband Jim, and their daughter LaMona.
Survivors include his son, Neal Hinerman; stepsons, Dan Olson and Dave (Michele) Olson; stepdaughters, Kathy (Leland) Smith, Karen (Joe) Bergtoll and stepson-in-law Elliott Enman. Other survivors are his brother, Sam Hinerman; sister, Norma (Bruce) Grossman; and nephew, Ken (Sheila) Clark. He was blessed with additional family members, including his grand and great-granchildren: Danielle (Ty) Hallock, Tia and Gage; Christina (Michael) Wilson, Dallas and Jeren; Bradley (Rhonda) Olson, Elizabeth Nyquist; Jason Palin, Jake; Eric (Becky) Palin, Dylan, Ava, Abby and Lucas; Shane Smith; Joel (Lara) Smith, Riley and Annika; Alana (Dalton) Zayden, Joey; Joey (Alliea) Bergtoll, Abbey and Ava Nyenhuis; Ryan (Nichole) Bergtoll; Shyla (Austin) Svingen, Calvin and Rory. Yet other survivors include cousins and step-nieces and -nephews as well.
Ray will be remembered fondly by a host of relatives and friends.
Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2026 at Bell Mortuary with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m., with Max Knodel officiating. Graveside services will be Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the First Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymt.com.
