Donald Herbel

Donald Herbel, 78, Bismarck, died peacefully on July 3, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 AM at Church of Corpus Christi in Bismarck with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Burial will be at ND Veterans Cemetery in Mandan with military honors provided by VFW Post #1326. Visitation will be Monday from 12:00 – 9:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a vigil service will be held at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Don was born on March 29, 1930, near Alsen, ND, to Reinhart and Mary Klein Herbel. He attended school at Alsen and graduated from Munich High School. He joined the US Air Force and served his country from 1951 to 1955. Don then attended Bottineau State, Minot State, Mayville State, NDSU, and UND. He received a BS degree with majors in math, social studies, and physical education and an MA degree in educational administration. On August 20, 1957, Don married Pat Kerian Herbel at Minto, ND. A lifetime educator, Don taught in Norma, Bisbee, Rock Lake, Leeds, Hebron, and Midway. He served as Superintendent of Schools at Rock Lake, Hebron, and Midway. Don and Pat retired to their home in Bismarck and cabin at Little Knife near New Town, and he continued to enjoy fishing and hunting with his faithful dog, Gunner. Known for his sparkling eyes and laughter, he shared stories, good food, and favorite songs while visiting with friends and family. Family and friends were the center of Don’s life. He loved his wife, Pat, and six children: Denise Fred Krefting of Waukee, IA, Bryon Herbel of Raleigh, NC, Jo Bill Wyeth of Silver Spring, MD, Julie Don Vetsch of New Town, ND, Keri Tom Erickson of Osage, IA, and Donna Herbel of Madison, WI. Don’s life also revolved around his grandchildren: Kevin and Jessica Krefting, Johnathan Nicolette Bergquist, Kia and Heather Herbel, Krista Erickson, and Jamie and Kenny Vetsch. Don is also survived by eight sisters and brothers and one sister-in-law: Dellas Betty of Bottineau, LaVern Ed Grossman of Grand Forks, Elroy of Elgin, Vernon Grace of Grafton, Lorraine Les Christian of Bottineau, Marion Albrecht of Munich, Gil Elna Mae of Grafton, Ray Carla of Mapleton, and Corrine Herbel of Bottineau. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Iris Syl Severson of Minot; his brother, Marvin of Bottineau; his sister-in-law, Jo of Elgin; and his brother-in-law, Bob Albrecht of Alsen. Memorials may be made to Camp Grassick, American Heart Association, or God’s Child Project.

Donald Herbel

March 29, 1930 - July 3, 2008