Alvin “Butch” Herda Jr., 78, of Devils Lake, ND, passed away unexpectedly at 1:30 a.m. April 30, during a medical procedure at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on April 22, 1947, in Devils Lake to Alvin Herda, Sr., and Ethel Benson Herda, Al was the youngest of two children. After the early loss of his parents, he was raised by his grandmother, Stella Herda, who instilled in him strength, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. He remained close to his sister Ellen throughout his life, sharing an enduring bond of love and laughter.
Al graduated from Devils Lake Central High School in 1966. In 1968, he married Lynne Wright and moved to Fargo, where he trained as an aircraft mechanic at Kundert Aviation. In 1970, driven by duty and patriotism, Al voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving at Fort Riley, Kansas, and later in Germany during the Vietnam War.
After his honorable discharge, Al and Lynne returned to Devils Lake, where he worked with Harold Parkinson Aviation. The couple welcomed their son Brandon and bought a home on the shores of Devils Lake in the Lakewood neighborhood. Al later began a long and respected career with the North Dakota National Guard at Camp Grafton, serving in a variety of roles over the years.
During the 1990s, Al also served as president of the Devils Lake Rural Fire Department, reflecting his enduring commitment to public service and community.
In 1991, Al was deployed to the Middle East with the 132nd Quartermaster Unit out of Cando, ND, as part of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His unit was among the first to enter the conflict. Upon his return, he married Yvonne Unterseher in 1996. A fellow Army veteran, Yvonne shared Al’s dedication to service and love for family.
Al retired in 2007, after an admirable 37 years of military service. In retirement, he and Yvonne traveled widely, celebrated life’s moments with family, and cherished time together until her passing.
In his later years, Al frequently visited his son Brandon and his family in Spring, Texas. He especially loved supporting his granddaughter Sophie at drill team competitions and cheering on his grandson Ben at Houston Aeros hockey games.
A devoted outdoorsman, Al spent countless days hunting, fishing, and tending to his farm near Crary. He loved road trips with his sister Ellen—exploring small towns, savoring Dairy Queen cones, and sharing joyful adventures. Their sibling bond was a constant source of happiness in his life.
Al is survived by his son, Brandon Herda, and his wife, Nicole, of Spring, Texas; and grandchildren, Sophie and Ben Herda. Al is also survived by his sister, Ellen (Mike) Connor of Devils Lake; and his nieces and nephews: Lisa (Joe) Vetsch and Christy Werner, both of Devils Lake; Walt Staigle of Deland, Florida; Charmayne (Randy) Leinius of Center, North Dakota; Patty (Blake) Wilkens of Hannover, North Dakota; Darcy (Allen) Rainey of Orlando, Florida; and Bob (Evanda) Staigle of Verrado, Arizona. Al is also remembered fondly by many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne Herda; and his parents, Ethel and Alvin Herda Sr.
As per Al’s wishes, there will be a time of prayer and remembrance at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND, on Monday, May 12, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with Firefighter’s Honors accorded by the Devils Lake Rural Fire Department Volunteers.
Military services will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan, ND, on Monday, May 12, at 3:00 p.m. Military honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.
Memorials may be directed to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan, in memory of Al.
