Gloria Hertsgaard

gloria hertsgaard

Gloria Hertsgaard 81, Fargo formerly of Kindred, ND passed away Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Bethany on University in Fargo surrounded by her family.

Gloria Dura was born in Langdon, ND on August 19, 1929 to Arthur and Barbara Dura.  She lived there until the age of 16 when she moved with her family to Harwood.  Her family moved to Argusville where Gloria graduated from high school.  Gloria married Donald Merrigan on June 23, 1949.  They farmed near Gardner, ND.  Donald died in 1970.  Gloria moved to Casselton, ND where she lived for 2 years.  Gloria married Olaf Hertsgaard in Casselton, ND on November 9, 1972.  They made their home on a farm near Kindred.  They moved to Fargo in 2001.  Olaf died in 2003.  Gloria moved to Waterford at Harwood Groves and then to Bethany Homes where she resided until her death.

Gloria was a member of St. William's Catholic Church, Argusville, ND where she served as President of the Ladies Aide and taught catechism.  She enjoyed bowling at Red River Lanes, belonging to Birthday Club, gardening and canning and freezing the produce.  After moving to Kindred she became a member of St. Maurice's Catholic Church.  She served on the Church Building Committee.  Gloria was known for her pie baking for special church events.  Gloria loved her family and her face would light up at the mention of their names.  She spent her final years at Bethany Homes where she received much love and care from the staff at Bethany and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

She is survived by her children; Vickie (Allan) Nelson, Grand Forks, ND, Donna (Kevin) Lipetzky, Fargo, ND, Gwendolyn (James) Howe, Casselton, ND; sisters, Beverly (Jim) McCoskey, Gig Harbor, WA, Cora  Fisher, Boise, ID; brother, J. Gene (Betty) Dura, Fargo, ND; sister-in-law, Nita Dura, Jamestown, ND; aunts, Florence Myers, Harwood, ND, Elizabeth Smestad, Ft Worth, TX; grandchildren, Amy Holland, Jennifer (Jeff) Hoeft, Brenda (Kurt) Hendrickson, Donald (Laura) Hodgson, Brent (Sarah) Hodgson, Kathryn (Gene) Birklid, Virginia Howe and Michael Howe; 11 great grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Donald Merrigan and Olaf Hertsgaard; parents, Arthur & Barbara Dura; brother, Arthur U. Dura, Jr; sister, Caroline Barker; infant son, Mark Merrigan.

Memorials can be sent to Hospice of the Red River Valley or St. Maurice's Catholic Church Building Fund.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Arlington TexasI was so sorry to learn that Gloria had died. (Aunt Betty told me yesterday). I still remember visiting the farm as a child!

    Tim

  2. Colorado Springs COGloria was an wonderful woman. Her smile always made me feel special. I loved visiting her and Olaf at their home. She always made you feel welcome and I knew that family was first in her heart. I feel so blessed that Olaf married a truly remarkable woman.

  3. I am so sorry to hear about Gloria’s passing. She was such a kind, classy lady and such a dear soul. She always made everyone feel so comfortable. Us kids were all so happy when Olaf met and fell in love with her. She was perfect for him and he for her. I always looked forward to seeing them AND eating her delicious meals and desserts! I so enjoyed her conversations and we always laughed so much. She truly had a twinkle in her eye and always a beautiful smile on her face. I know that Olaf was waiting for her and now they are together again. I will keep and cherish all the love and great memories I have of both of them.

  4. perham mnThinking of your family at this time of loss.
    What a beautiful tribute to Gloria. I remember her as always being a lady of grace and beauty.
    Sincerely,
    Kim Wright (carol merrigans daughter)

  5. west fargo n dSo sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. May God bless you. Sending wishes from Evelyn Bergman’s family.

  6. Palmdale CAI am so sorry to hear of the loss of “aunt” Gloria. I have fond memories of her when I was a little girl. I pray God will comfort your family during this time of loss.

    Love,
    Carol’s Daughter

  7. Thinking of you and lifting you in prayer. A memorial will be sent to Bethany in memory of your mother.
    Ken and Cindy Hejl

  8. “A Mother holds her children’s hands for alittle while but their hearts forever”.

    As you celebrate a life well lived, may you share and hold dear the treasured memories that are indeed a gift from Gloria.
    Blessings & Love,

    Margaret & Larry Hoffmann

  9. Fargo ND
    To Gwen and Jim Howe and Hertsgaard families:

    So sorry to read in the paper this morning of your Mom’s passing. No amount of consolation will ever suffice for your loss. It’s the Faith we carry that will see us through. It is the thought that she is now in Heaven and enjoying the Glories of her hard work and commitment to the Church…that she is now your new Angel in Heaven to watch over your every move that will sustain us…..Feel the prayers of those that love you, surrounding you and your family. ….If only she could “kiss our ‘owies’ “and make it all better again.

    Love you, Deb McShane

  10. Chandler AZ
    Kathy & I wish to convey our condolences to Gwen and the rest of the family. We enjoyed many visits with Gloria and Olaf over the years we lived in Kindred.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide