Ken (Kenneth) Charles Herrly, loving husband and father, passed away August 24, 2025 and has now joined the love of his life, Betty, forever in heaven. Ken was a proud Butte boy born to Della Bowdler on February 10, 1940. Not one for schoolbooks and classrooms, Ken opted to join the Army in 1957 and was sent to Fort Ord, California for basic training and then stationed in Maryland.
Once he met Betty Cooper in junior high school, he was hooked and from that point on, he would have eyes for only her. They married on July 24, 1959 and stayed together until her passing on May 4, 2024. They welcomed three children, Jim, Pam and Diana.
Ken had many talents and passions. His first was arrowhead and artifact hunting and collecting. Ken enjoyed fishing and hunting with his son and taking his family camping. His greatest passion, however, was wildlife photography. Betty gifted him a simple Canon camera in the late seventies and what began as taking just a few photographs turned into his lifelong obsession.
There was a story behind every photo. His photos were breathtaking and several artists used them as reference for their own art. Ken would wait hours for the perfect photo and still think it was not good enough so he would keep snapping and wind up with hundreds of images of the same thing! Ken was also a self-taught framer so he could mat and frame his own photos.
Ken was very social and loved visiting with family and friends and he loved making people laugh with his unique humor. He worked unique jobs in his early years, including one as a Hotel Finlen bellhop. Ken worked for Harkins Wholesale until his retirement when he could then devote all of his time to his photography and traveling with Betty.
Ken was proceeded in death by the love of his life, Betty; mother Della Bowdler and sister Carol Bouley.
He is survivedby his son, James (Sondra); daughters Pamela (Art); and Diana (Sally), as well as wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and private services are planned for a later date. His family invites you to leave your own memories of Ken on the axelsonfuneralhome.com website. You can also visit Ken’s Montana Fish and Wildlife interview video on Youtube by searching Ken Herrly’s Wildlife images.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Ken and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Ken.
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Cathy Maloney says
Mr. Herrly was a legendary photographer, a humorous storyteller and a gentleman/friend. I enjoyed his visits and proudly display his work in my home. He was so professional and passionate about perfecting the school display that hangs in our courthouse. He will be greatly missed but has left a humble impression that will live with many for generations. Thank you for sharing this kind and gentle man with me.
Glenn Laitinen says
I was in the Skyline Sportsmen with Ken and we had some great discussions on phogography and wildlife. Rest in peace Ken.
Edie McClafferty says
We are so sorry for your loss. Ken was a great friend and an outstanding person. He will truly be missed by us.
Danny and Edie McClafferty
Mac’s Glass
Barry Brophyf says
Ken framed many pictures for me and Butte High School I could sit and talk to him for hours. I went through many albums of his pictures from Yellowstone Park. He was a great person, and his pictures were stuning. The world is a better place because of you dad.
Barry Brophy
Shannon says
Ken and Betty were both amazing people. I have so many fond memories of them. They were like family to us growing up next door to them and still visiting them even after I moved out. I am so thankful we have photographs framed by Ken that hang in our families’ houses.
Love and prayers,
Shannon Cooney
Debbie Powley says
I had the wonderful privilege of meeting both Ken and Betty while working at Big Sky Senior Living. Such wonderful caring people and I enjoyed listening to Ken’s adventure stories and how his eyes lit up while showing his wildlife pictures! He gave me some of his photos which I will cherish always! My condolences to his family
Benjamin M Bouley says
Uncle Ken and Aunt Betty were fantastic people. Ken introduced me to hunting and I enjoyed our many outings. He helped me in so many ways to become the person that I am today. I will hold his memory close to my heart forever. Miss you Uncle Ken.