Jim A Herda

James (Jim) A. Herda, 56 of Devils Lake, ND died peacefully on Monday, March 14th, 2011 at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake. He was surrounded in the loving care of his family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be held on Friday, March 18th 2011 at 10:00 a.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 Thursday, March 17, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Pall Bearers will be Keith Olson, Donald Herda, Dave Ewing, Scott Olenberger, Kirby Stittsworth, Dana Church, Kevin Zinke, Gary Loken. Reading the Scriptures will be Angela Herda and Michael Bischoff. Gift Bearers will be Grandchildren: Michael Bischoff, Mikayla and Madison Kitsch, Hailey and Blake Herda, and Gracelyn Soper. Music will be provided by JoDee Lagein and Doug McHenry. Jim was born on June 2, 1954 at Devils Lake, ND the son of Frank and Kathryn (Thompson) Herda. Growing up he lived and worked on the family farm. He graduated from Devils Lake High school in 1972 and attended UND-LR with degrees in diesel mechanics and computer networking. Over the years he worked for Ramsey County Highway Dept., Devils Lake airport, and Ramsey Bank. In 2004 he graduated from taxidermy school in Montana, converting the barn into a work shop. He most recently worked as office manager for the Ramsey County Water Resource District. Jim was united in marriage to Paulette Howes-Thorson on October 20th, 1973 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They had three children, Melissa, Angela, and Kyle. Jim later married longtime companion Sally Breid-Burkle on November 29th, 2010. They both lived happily on the family farm west of Devils Lake. Jim loved to hunt, ride four wheelers, and take motorcycle trips with his friends on his Harley. Jim and Sally both loved to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors, taking camping trips, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Jim was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was involved in the Elks band, attended various banquets like Pheasants Forever, and helped friends and family whenever they needed an extra hand. He had a quick witted sense of humor and was always ready to crack a joke at any given moment. Jim is survived by his loving family. Wife: Sally; Children: Melissa (Paul) Kitsch of Webster, Angela (Scott Bischoff) Herda of Devils Lake, and Kyle (Nicole) Herda of Great Falls, MT; Step Children: Tonya (Dusty) Soper of Argusville, ND and Melissa (Andy) Holtberg of Fargo, ND; Grandchildren: Michael Bischoff, Mikayla and Madison Kitsch, Hailey and Blake Herda, and Gracelyn Soper ; Sisters: Mavis (Bob) Olson, Delores (Greg) Backus; Brother: Richard Herda; Loving pets: Lady and Rusty. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Frank (2007) and Kathryn (2010) and sister Charlotte Mary Herda in 1955.