Kathryn Rose Herda

Kathryn R. Herda, 88 of Devils Lake, ND died peacefully on Friday, December 17, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake in the loving care of her family and Mercy Hospice, with her characteristic, unfailing, positive attitude. Mass of Christian Burial for Kathryn will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Dale Kinzler will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Kathryn will be Keith Olson, Kyle Herda, Scott Bischoff, Paul Kitsch, Dave Ewing and Don Herda. Reading the Scriptures will be Angela Herda. Gift Bearers will be Michael Bischoff, Mikayla and Madison Kitsch, Samuel Ewing and Christopher Olson. Music will be provided by JoDee Lagein and Donovan Foughty. Kathryn Rose was born on June 18, 1922 at Devils Lake, ND the daughter of Leo and Nathalie (Hankins) Thompson. She was reared in Devils Lake and educated at St. Mary’s Academy. Kathryn was united in marriage to Frank Herda on June 14, 1938 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Kathryn and Frank worked on the Ben Bert farm near Southam when they were first married. They later moved to Devils Lake where Frank worked for the Great Northern Railroad on the bridge and building crew, while Kathryn worked in the cook car. Kathryn and Frank purchased the Harry Van Lou farm in 1948 which they continued to farm until 1993. Kathryn loved to crochet, garden and do needle work. Kathryn and Frank both loved to play cards at St. Jude’s card parties each Sunday afternoon with their friends. Kathryn volunteered at the local nursing homes as a hairdresser and with the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Altar Society and St. Jude’s Circle. Kathryn had a deep and loving impact on everyone whom she met. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend. The special focus of Kathryn’s life was her family and friends. Her positive attitude and loving ways made the world a better place and made such a difference in the lives of so many people. Kathryn is survived by her loving family. Children: Mavis (Bob) Olson of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Delores (Greg) Backus of Hooper, Utah, Richard Herda of Douglas, Wyoming and Jim (Sally) Herda of Devils Lake; Grandchildren: Kristen (Dave) Ewing, Keith (Nancy) Olson, Melissa (Paul) Kitsch, Angela Herda (Scott Bischoff) and Kyle (Nicole) Herda; Great Grandchildren: Alexandra and Christopher Olson, Nicole and Samuel Ewing, Michael Bischoff, Mikayla and Madison Kitsch, Hailey and Blake Herda; Sister: Eloise (Albert) Pasillas; Special Friend: Paulette Bosch; Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband Frank in 2007; daughter Charlotte Mary Herda in 1955; parents Leo and Nathalie Thompson and sisters, Mary Scott and Lucile Olson.