Julia Herrick Sorlien

The service will be livestreamed and viewable directly below at 2:00 p.m. April 25, 2026:

Julia Herrick Sorlien, 97, of Fargo, ND, died April 1, 2026, at Bethany Retirement Living, University Drive, Fargo, ND.

Julia, the daughter of Mathias and Kenegunda (Vetter) Wolf, was born September 4, 1928, in rural Emmons County, ND. Julia grew up on the family farm and attended country school. At the age of 15, Julia was asked to teach the school children as most of the male teachers at the time were sent to serve in World War II. At the age of 18, Julia moved to Fargo where she met Leroy (Roy) Herrick and they were united in marriage on February 28, 1948. They made their home in Fargo where they raised three daughters and a son.

Julia worked for many years cleaning offices in the downtown Black Building. Julia took pride in this work and referred to herself as a “cleaning lady”. Later, she worked at Kenney’s Shoe Store downtown Fargo, and again, enjoyed this work. Julia and Roy made a trip to Hawaii where many fond memories were made. Roy died December 19, 1977.

Julia married Vergil Sorlien after meeting at a single’s dance. Julia once again found love. They lived in Cooperstown, ND, and later moved to Grand Forks, ND. Vergil died in 1983.

Julia had a strong Christian faith and was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Julia enjoyed going on trips with her sister Fran, most memorably going to Las Vegas for a month at a time and yet never gambled. Those two sisters found many interesting things to do while making many fond memories. Julia loved spending time with all her grandkids. Teaching them many new skills, which they will keep for a lifetime. Julia enjoyed crocheting, cross stitching, putting puzzles together and enjoyed embroidering the most. Julia often commented if only she would have kept track of all the dishtowels she embroidered. She always had a perfectly ironed dish towel to give to her nieces and nephew when they came to visit and to many others she would give to. Julia loved to bake and would always have her famous sugar or peanut butter cookies in the cookie jar when the grandkids came for a visit.

Julia is survived by daughters Diana of Fargo, and Mary Kay (Ron Shoman) of Fargo, and son Steven of Devils Lakes, six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren. Julia is also survived by her dear friend Rita Wald, who Julia thought of as her adopted daughter.

Julia was preceded in death by her husbands, Leroy and Vergil, daughter Carol Ann Ludwig and son-in-law Damian Ludwig, daughter-in-law Lindy Pare, who was engaged to Steven at the time of her death, two great grandchildren, six sisters, four brothers, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial Service is to be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center with visitation an hour prior.