Herbert K. “Herb” Felch, 83 of Devils Lake, ND, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital with loving family at his side.
There was a gathering of family and friends at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND, on Thursday, August 1, 2024, with a Scripture Service led by Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon. Mass of Christian Burial was on Friday, August 2 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Karmalraj Balasamy celebrating the Mass. Burial with Military Honors was at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Herbert Kent Felch, son of Herbert “Bert” and Hilda (Dahlstrom) Felch was born on December 3, 1940, on the farm at rural Steele, ND. He was delivered by his Aunt Beth. He attended a one room school through second grade, then attended Steele Public School until the family moved to Starkweather, ND, in January of 1954. He graduated from Starkweather High School with the class of 1958.
He was united in marriage to his precious Annette Volk on November 22, 1958, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake where they continue as members. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked and raised their family through the years. They have celebrated 65 plus years of marriage, devoted to each other through the good times and the trials.
Herb served his country for 42 years as a member of the United States Army and the North Dakota Army National Guard. He entered the United States Army on January 14, 1959, and retired from the Army National Guard on December 2, 2000, with the rank of SFC. Herb received military training in auto and diesel mechanics, sales management, engine overhaul and general operations management. He worked in all these areas and was involved in instruction and training of others.
After retiring from Military Service, Herb worked in the maintenance department at the IOOF Home in Devils Lake until May of 2008.
Herb’s service not only included his country but his community. He was an avid baseball and softball player. He was part of the first Devils Run Car Show in Devils Lake. Being part of the parade with his 1976 Oldsmobile Delta Royale Convertible to being part of the first Devils Run Steak Fry. He volunteered hundreds of hours helping wherever needed at the KC Club with all their events. He also was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Am Vets and the Elks Lodge. He and Nettie treasured several years of trips to Mexico and Hawaii with special friends. He was a talented wood worker and shared his creations with family and friends.
Herb loved his family. They were his pride and joy. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were so special to him. He dedicated his life to his family, to his country and to his community. He will be so greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Herb is survived by his loving family. His wife Annette “Nettie”; children Deb Williams and Gordie (Doreen) Felch all of Fargo ND, Linda (Russ) Berstler of Frazee, MN and Bobbi Rasmussen of Lakota, ND; grandchildren Jennifer (Brian) Buchanan, Benjamin Felch-Tony Berstler (Steph), Chris Berstler-Michelle -(Nicholas) Breazile; great grandchildren Keagen and Huxley; many nieces, nephews, and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Dorothy Louise, grandson Steve Rasmussen, sons-in-law Curt Williams and Everett Rasmussen, sister Esther Armstrong, brothers Donald, Lyle, Dallas, Gerald, Richie and Howard, in-laws Aloise and Elizabeth Volk, brother-in-law Robert Volk and sister-in-law Julie Hanson.