Herbert "Herb" O'Donnell

Funeral Mass for Herbert "Herb" O'Donnell, 93, of Baker, will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at St. John Catholic Church in Baker, MT with Father Baskar Raj celebrating. Burial will be in the family lot of the Old St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Baker.

Rosary and Vigil will be held, Monday, 6:00 pm. at the Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker, Visitation will begin at 4:00 and continue until 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 8:00 - 10:00 am at Stevenson Funeral Home. 

Herb passed away January 31, 2025 at his home in Baker.

Herbert Daniel O'Donnell was born March 6, 1931, to Michael and Esther (Hanratty) O'Donnell in Baker, Montana. He graduated from Baker High School and had a forever education from the "School of Common Sense and Hard Knocks". He remained on the family homestead North of Baker until his passing. Herb met Carole, the love of his life, on Valentine's Day 1956. Their first date was at the dance hall at Ismay, MT. They were married June 6, 1957, and to this wonderful union came six children, Scott, Todd, Irene, Tracy, Vance, and Kara. Herb farmed and ranched with his brother Ray. Farming and ranching were his passions, but rough necking, climbing radio towers, working at the Sales Barn, and assisting at horseraces, and night shows at the Fair were all part of the Herb Legacy.

He could be found assisting with brandings or helping neighbors and friends. Herb enjoyed Rodeos and the Baker Fair, and you could find him on a Saturday morning of the fair at the usual corner to gather with family. His Irish Heritage was dear to him and Carole encouraged him evermore with Irish music and Irish knowledge. When you want to remember Herb, fly a flag, buy a calendar to mark the weather and good days, say a rosary, or pick up a rock or stick on your journey. If you gave him a cup of coffee with plenty of sugar and in a real cup you were certain to have a flash of his big smile. Herb was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4-H helper, and a square-dancing group. He will be remembered for loving celebrations, holidays, and especially the O'Donnell reunions. May all that knew him have been so lucky to have heard a story, talk about diamond willow walking sticks, belt buckles, long horn cattle, or just had a positive word pointed in your direction such as "Today is good and tomorrow will be even better". Thank you, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Herb, for being a beacon of inspiration for the community and the Extended O'Donnell Family.

He is survived by his children, Scott (Karen) O'Donnell-Baker, Todd (Sandy) O'Donnell­ Sidney, Irene (Monty) Erickson-Sarpy, Tracy {Roy) Boespflug-Billings, Vance {Kim) O'Donnell-Baker, and Kara {Matt) Erickson-Miles City, 14 grandchildren, 1 step grandchild, and 13 great grandchildren.

Herb was preceded in death by wife Carole, parents Michael and Esther, 10 siblings, granddaughter, step grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.