BOULDER -- Amil Rudolph Herseim, 83, passed away Aug. 2, 2008, at Elkhorn Health & Rehabilitation Center at Clancy.

Amil was born on March 14, 1925, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Amil Frank and Jessie (Sorensen) Herseim. At the age of 4, he and his family moved to Great Falls.

During World War II, Amil served in the South Pacific in the 25th Infantry Division and was awarded the Purple Heart for action at Guadalcanal. He was always proud to have been able to serve his country, but he always hoped and prayed that someday the world would be able to live in peace.

In 1946, he married Margaret Kessinger, who later died of leukemia.

He attended Western Montana College in Dillon and graduated with a master's degree in education. He taught school at Noxon Elementary, Helena Valley Schools and retired from Boulder Elementary, where he taught sixth grade.

In August 1964, Amil married Felma Ovitt in Dillon.

Amil was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Robert and Craig Herseim; stepson, Dale Ovitt; and a brother, Alvin Herseim.

He is survived by his wife, Felma of Boulder; son, Gary Herseim of Helena; daughters, Lynette (Terry) Dougherty and Pamela (Eric) Schleicher; stepsons, Richard, Donald and Dean (Mary) Ovitt; stepdaughter, Victoria (George) Taylor; daughter-in-law, Barbara Ovitt (Rick McCorkle); 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Alene (Ray) Semingsen and Diane (Mike) Griffin; and brothers, Earl (Von) Herseim and Rey Herseim.

Amil dearly loved his family and teaching. For 27 years he thoroughly enjoyed singing with the Helena Last Chance Barbershop Chorus. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, hiking, boating and spending time with family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Amil's life will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m. from the Boulder United Methodist Church. Interment will be held Friday, Aug. 15, at 3 p.m. from the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Cremation has taken place.

Memorials in Amil's name may be sent to the Alzheimers Association or the Boulder Public Library.

K&L Mortuaries & Crematory of Boulder is handling arrangements.