Herbert B. Schlegel

Herbert Bernard Schlegel, 91, of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025. Born on March 25, 1934, in Fingal, ND, Herb was the beloved son of Joseph and Mary Schlegel and one of 14 children in a close-knit and loving family.

A proud graduate of Fingal High School, Herb went on to serve his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. Stationed in West Germany, he worked as a mechanic and wrecker driver, serving alongside three of his brothers—an experience that shaped his life and forged unbreakable bonds.
Upon returning to the U.S., Herb married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean Puhr, on June 2nd, 1958. Together they built a happy and enduring life, raising four children: Gayle (Bruce) Anderson of Fargo, ND; Jill (Don) Johnson of Independence, MN; Rhonda (Joe) Fetch of Rapid City, SD; and Scott (Patricia) Schlegel of St. Louis, MO.

Herb and Bonnie were blessed with nine grandchildren: Sarah, Sophia, Alyssa, Logan, Nolan, Mason, Will, Joshua, and Christopher, and and five great-grandchildren: Andie Jo, Marley, Paul, Leon, and Vada.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary Schlegel, his special granddaughter Alyssa, seven brothers, and three sisters. Herb was one of the final four surviving siblings, along with Betty, Eleanor, and Norbert.

A master carpenter for over 50 years, Herb’s craftsmanship can be seen throughout the Fargo area and in the cherished homes of his family. One of his proudest accomplishments was building the family home, where he and Bonnie lived together for over 60 years. After hanging up his hammer, Herb turned his attention to helping Bonnie with her in-home daycare, which they lovingly ran together for over 35 years. Herb and Bonnie became “grandparents” to countless children who were lucky enough to be part of their extended family.

Herb was a devoted Christian and a lifelong member of Nativity Catholic Church, where he played an instrumental role in the church’s construction and remained an active and faithful member. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus for six decades, living out his values of faith, charity, and service in everything he did.

Herb loved to travel—journeying with Bonnie to Europe, Panama, Mexico, and throughout the U.S., including memorable trips to both the East and West Coasts. In earlier years, annual family trips to the Black Hills of South Dakota were a treasured tradition. His final adventure was traveling to Washington, D.C., on the Western Dakota Honor Flight with his daughter Rhonda.

Herb will be remembered for his deep faith, enduring love for his family, strong work ethic, and the gentle, skilled hands that helped build a home, a community, and a life full of meaning.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to HIA Hospice and/or Bethany on 42nd in honor of Herb’s lifelong legacy of service and kindness.

His family would like to thank the VA of Fargo, Sanford Home Health, Red River Valley Hospice, and Bethany on 42nd for their amazing care. We truly appreciate you.