Herschel Wengart

Herschel Wengart, Shelli's dad, married Margana Daines in 1975. Theirs was a life filled with love, laughter, and the blessings of a God-filled home. His parents, Dennis and Sharon, were making plans to buy land just after World War II to build a ranch home and creating a farm full of every kind of animal: horses, cattle, chickens, pigs, sheep, cats, and dogs. Herschel came along in 1950, followed by Ruth, Esther, Thomas, Andrew, John, and Caleb. Farm life taught Herschel the value of hard work, which became a satisfying way of life; everyone had their own chosen responsibilities, and Herschel grew to love creating structures for every aspect of ranching needs. 

Throughout his childhood, his parents set the examples of strength, humility, kindness, and lots of joy. He was a happy child with a great sense of humor, although intensely focused on projects that resonated with who he was. He always had time for football with his brothers, sisters, and, well, actually, the whole family, especially during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holidays. He grew to be tall, broad shouldered, muscular, and full of boundless energy. Farm life had tanned him, and his building projects left his hands weathered, yet he was so handsome, that the girls at church swooned over him when whenever Herschel entered the room. His cowboy persona, his twinkly sky-blue eyes and bright smile, as well as his healthy stamina was a perfect combination that led Herschel to the logical choice of construction and a Land Management career. He met Margana while he was working for a prestigious construction company that specialized in custom upscale homes, specifically for her mother, Julia Winthur Daines. Mrs. Daines was the administrator of the Winthur family trust dating back to 1868 and was somewhat cautious about her daughter's new beau. His sincerity, charm, strong work ethic, and love for her daughter proved endearing to Julia, and she welcomed Herschel into the family at their wedding with attendees from both sides of their family. 

Margana and Herschel moved into his parents cottage on Dennis and Sharon’s ranch in Bozeman, MT after their honeymoon. He perfected his skills as a contractor working for his boss until he felt he was ready to start out on his own, building his company CLM Inc -  Construction and Land Management. His employees found him to be honest, caring, although with a strong dislike for dishonesty, manipulation, and “game playing”. Family time was important to Herschel and he and Margana decided to be proud parents with his first daughter, Josette, born when he was 27 years old. Following about three years later, Ryan was born. Herschel's work never crowded out time spent with his wife and children. When Margana was pregnant with Shelli, the third born, they decided it was time to build a home plenty big to hold a family of seven, and a table big enough to accommodate their extended family: Dennis and Sharon, and Larmon (Larry) and Julia the grandparents, their neighbors and friends from church, and also some business associates. Every holiday found them welcoming all into their spacious home. Sunday dinners featured the talents with Sharon Margana and Julia, as well as summer and fall barbecues prepared by the men in the family, followed by football, of course. 

Shelli, our main character, was named after her dad, and her middle name, Margaret, after her mother Margana. Even though Herschel and Margana made it a point to love all their children equally, each one found a place in their hearts different from the others. Josette (Josie) was closest to her mom. Ryan was closest to his dad. Shelli, her dad, and when Marcus was born, both parents. And finally, with their last child, Dillan, his mom. He was always the quiet one. Altogether, Herschel was the guiding force of the family, but Margana was the heart.