Willard Hebert

Willard Hebert lived a life of service and faith.

Born February 10, 1932 in Fargo, ND to Leon and Rose (Fugere) Hebert, Will was the eldest son in a family of eight children. (He is survived by James Hebert of Fargo and Louise Lingen of Perham, MN and predeceased by Genevieve Durben, Marie Haugen, Eileen Cossette, Carol Hebert, and Shirley England.) Responsibility came early and was a constant through Will’s life. Before he was a teenager, Will had worked multiple jobs including on a neighboring farm. Even at this young age, he made the practical decision to buy himself needed shoes with the earnings he saved.

After graduating high school at Sacred Heart Academy in 1950, Will enlisted in the US Navy. He served on ships along the US Pacific coast during the Korean conflict until his honorable discharge in 1954. Time in the military honed Will’s capacity for precision which carried on throughout his lifetime in his profession, pass times and personal habits.

During his Naval service, Will married Mary Klontz on November 29, 1952 at Holy Family Church in Seattle, Washington. Will and Mary brought 10 children into their lives. Will was father to 8 children [Joel (Robin) Hebert, Gail Danielski (Allan), Alan Hebert (Jeanine), Kay Selvig (Chris), Mark Hebert (Annette), John Hebert (Kathy), Jane Stumbo (Dan), and Sara Hebert] and two babies (Joseph and Steven) who passed at birth. Grandfather to 15 (Dustin Hebert, Michael (Jayne) Hebert, Tracy Laurence, Tyler Olson, Mark Danielski (Sarah), Rachel Fleming (Brian), Lindsey Duff (Daniel), Nancy Selvig, Jennifer Northrup, Dillon Hebert, Brandon Weiblehaus, Talon Hebert, Tony Stumbo, Andrew Stumbo, and Enso Hebert-Santos). Great Grandfather to 10 (Jacob Laurence, Ben Laurence, Stella Danielski, Smith Danielski, Nora Fleming, Hudson Fleming, Charlotte Duff, Anya Stumbo, William Stumbo, and Freya Stumbo).

Early on, Will drove truck which at times kept him away from home and family. When he moved into his 36-year career as a field engineer with NCR, Will welcomed the opportunity to employ his intellect and skills despite an initial pay cut that was difficult for his family. As a provider, Will also took on side work at night, applying his carpentry skills and craftsmanship to finish basements and do repairs. Over the years, he built many furniture pieces now treasured by family and friends.

Will showed love in action through his community service – including with Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Holy Spirit Church, and Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight). Through the American Legion, Will ran the annual toy drive, managed and worked in the bike shop repairing and distributing bicycles, and as a member of the Color Guard honoring veterans at funerals and events.

Amidst all the work and service, Will and his siblings joined in fun times together, doing skits, playing practical jokes and enjoying back yard BBQs. Will and Mary loved road trips to see relatives and friends all around the US. Will was also an avid fisherman.

How a man did so many things: Will got his energy from Mary’s dedicated partnership plus her terrific meals and cookies. Apple bars were a favorite, and he always brought them to the annual fishing opener with his buddies.

Will was a man who cast his rod in faith, receiving his guidance for a life of service from God. Even in his final homebound days, Will often participated in daily mass via YouTube. He thought deeply and never lost his desire for being precise and getting things right. Will attests to having St. Joseph with him every day of his working life…but we all know it was every day, including the day of rest and in the afterlife. Will passed surrounded by loved ones in his home on December 29, 2025.

Memorials will be directed to Rebuilding Together Fargo Moorhead Area (27-4415410).