MILDRED A. HERDA

Mildred A. Herda, 95 of Devils Lake formerly of Crary, ND passed away on Monday, April 09, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake with family at her side. Funeral Services for Mildred will be held on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Rev. Reuben Schnaidt officiating. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Mildred will be Bradley Foss, Danny Foss, Al Herda, Curt Teigen, Julie Schemionek and Lamae Bergen. Music will be provided by Peter Hager and Lynda Pearson. Mildred Alice, born on January 25th, 1917, at the family farm, rural Devils Lake the oldest of nine children born to Edwin and Minnie (Christianson) Foss. She attended Pelican Township School (graduated from the Benson County Agricultural and Training School in Maddock with the class of 1937) and was one of several cousins walking back and forth to school together and this made for many memorable moments in Mildred’s life. Mildred met her beloved Joseph J. Herda while working at a local outdoor drive-in. Joe was the ice man and this was a suitable occupation for Mildred, because she knew she didn’t want to marry a farmer. He later “double-crossed” her and became one. They were united in marriage on May 25th, 1940. They made their home in Devils Lake for three years, then purchased land in Ontario Township, close to the family farm, moving there in 1943. With this purchase they began farming. Although she had not wanted to marry a farmer, Mildred loved the farm dearly, working alongside her husband through the years, raising their children and being a devoted wife and mother brought her much joy. In 1958, Mildred was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but Mildred never let that illness get her down and out. They farmed until 1978 and moved into Devils Lake. Joe passed away on October 25, 1979. Mildred and Joe loved to travel. They went from Key West, Florida to Los Angeles and many places in between, but the trip home after 2 to 3 weeks vacation was always the best trip. Mildred was a baptized and confirmed member of the Norway Lutheran Church, rural Devils Lake, was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Crary where she was a Sunday school teacher, sang in the church choir and was very active in the Ladies Aid. After moving to Devils Lake she joined St. Olaf Lutheran Church and again took part in the Ladies Aid. She was a member of the Rebekah’s Lodge and held several offices. She also shared her faith, strength and courage as a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Support Group. Mildred loved to sew, do quilting and crochet afghans. Family, friends and church were the beneficiaries of her many beautiful and bountiful creations. Playing Bingo was a favorite pastime too. Along with the fun of the game, it was a chance to see and visit with old and new friends. In years past, she enjoyed growing and tending her flowers. Mildred is survived by her children Edward Herda and his wife Mary of Grand Forks, Joseph Herda and his wife Diane of Mandan and Joelene Herda-Boyles of Galveston, Indiana; six grandchildren Shannon (Curt) Teigen, Autumn (Kelly) Graber; Tracy Herda, Kim Herda-Rhodes, Michael Herda; Kyle Boyles; eight great grandchildren Shelby, Kaelyn, Jackson; Aiden, Zachary; Casey, Devin and Mikey; brothers Harold (Kurene) Foss, Oakes, ND, Duane (Elsie) Foss, Fargo and Richard (Rita) Foss of Devils Lake; sister Carolyn (Bernie) Bryl of Houston, Texas; sisters-in-law Idelle Foss and Gen Foss both of Devils Lake and many nieces and nephews. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband; parents Edwin and Minnie; son-in-law Gary Boyles; brothers Palmer, Leslie, Raymond and Lloyd Foss.