John Herold

A funeral Mass for John Herold, 88, of Dickinson, formerly of Lefor, will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 23, 2017 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lefor with Father Biju Chitteth celebrating.  Burial will take place in the church cemetery.


Visitation for John will be 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 22
nd
at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with a rosary and vigil service being held at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.


John Michael “Johnny” Herold was born on June 2, 1928 on the family homestead near Lefor, ND, the son of Michael and Magdalena (Dassinger) Herold.  John was the 7
th
of 11 children.  He grew up and attended grade school at St. Elizabeth’s, graduating from Lefor High School as Salutatorian in 1948.   After he graduated, from high school he taught at a country school.  On July 18, 1949 he married his high school sweetheart, Pauline Kaufman at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.


The couple lived, farmed and raised their seven children in the Lefor area, Keith, Ken, Betty Lou, Belinda Kay, Kelly, Bonnie Rae and John Mark.  Together, John and Pauline loved to attend every event that they possibly could that involved their children and grandchildren.  Whether it be a special family occasion, sport or music.


Johnny’s main occupation was farming and ranching, but throughout most of his life he often held an additional job to supplement the family farm and put the last 5 children through a Catholic boarding school.  He worked to help lay pipe, on road construction, heavy equipment operator at the Binek Coal Mine.  John’s last 2
nd
job was as a federal crop adjuster.  Through this job, he traveled many miles and met many people, developing friends everywhere he went.


John was a kind, fun loving, faith filled man.  When he retired from farming, he was more than happy to spend his time playing cards, board games and most of all singing.  He was filled with the gift of music and loved to share it, whether in a car ride on the way home, as part of a singing group, or formal choir.  For many years, Johnny’s voice was heard from the choir loft at St. Elizabeth’s, and thankfully, we can hear him still in our hearts and on the St. Elizabeth’s Choir recording.  He participated in the Dickinson Barbershop Choir and quartets and the Happy Sing Along group.


When he retired from his farm and moved into Evergreen in the fall of 2013, he spent every moment that he could participating in activities or sharing his love of music.  He was often called upon to sing at their events.  He was blessed to be able to sing alongside his brother Joe, their voices blended so beautifully.


Each birthday and anniversary for all of his children, grandchildren and their families, was greeted by a hand-picked card from Grandpa Johnny.  In person, we were welcomed by his warm smile and our farewells were with a wonderful bear hug, kiss and an “I Love You”.


Johnny believed in and supported his church and community and belonged to many organizations throughout his life, including the Lefor Knights of Columbus, Elks, Lefor School Board, St. Mary’s Booster Club, Farmers Union Oil Board, St. Elizabeth’s Church Choir, Barbershop Choir, Happy Sing Along Group and the St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery Maintenance Association.


He was very dedicated to the preservation of the cemetery and spent many hours researching to be able to complete a directory of those interred at the cemetery.  Each name was indexed and placed on a board outside of the cemetery so families can find their loved ones.


John was a wonderful example of dedication, faith and love to all of his family.  His enthusiasm and interest in their lives will be forever missed and cherished.


John passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at St. Lukes’s Home.  In his last hours, John was surrounded by his family.  They were blessed to be able to pray the rosary over him and sing some of his favorite songs.  His voice may be silent but his spirit echoes still in our memories and hearts.


Johnny is survived by his children; three sons, Keith (Debbie) Herold, Lefor, Kelly Herold, Winona MN, John Mark (Lori) Herold, Bismarck; three daughters, Betty Lou (Gary) Schell, Stanley, Belinda Kay (Emmett) Lynch, Watertown, MN, Bonnie Rae (Keith) Benz, Bismarck; one brother, Joe (Phyllis) Herold, two sisters, Evelyn Herold and Angie Nuss, all of Dickinson, one sister-in-law, Betty Barton, Spokane WA, 20 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, with two due in 2017, his special friend, Rosalie Barth and numerous nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline, his parents; son, Ken; six sisters and one brother.


In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to the St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery Association, or a charity of your choice.


Herold John memorial card


Burial Date: March 23, 2017
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass:  10:30 a.m., Thursday, St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Lefor
Rosary and Vigil Service:  7:00 p.m. , Wednesday, March 22, 2017, Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson