Fern Herzog
January 1, 1970 ~ April 2, 2014
Fern passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo at the age of 88.
Fern was born on July 8, 1925, the daughter of Wilson and Hannah (Semling) Dickinson, in Kelliher, MN. She grew up and attended school in the Rochert, MN area. Fern was united in marriage to Merlin Herzog on June 7, 1947 in Mahnomen County, MN. They lived in Detroit Lakes, MN and she worked for over 30 years at Norby’s Department Store in the Men’s Department. In 2007, they moved to Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo. Merlin passed away on April 1, 2009, and Fern continued living at Bethany until her passing.
Throughout her life, Fern loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed her time tending to her flowers in the garden, organizing family events, and her time cooking for family in the kitchen. She will be missed by all of her family and many friends.
Fern is survived by her children – Larry (Yvonne) Herzog of Grand Forks, ND; Douglas (Marilyn) Herzog of Fargo, ND; Merlin Jr. (Judy) Herzog of Lake Havasu, AZ; Karen (Dennis) Heit of Fargo, ND; Bruce (Joanne) Herzog of Reno, NV; Lorrie (Stan) Wise of Spring Lake Park, MN; and Vicki Englund of Big Fork, MT; 22 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Fern was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her siblings – Sara Bias, Asel Dickinson, and Ann Kimball.
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Sparks NevadaBruce, Joanne and the Herzog family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother and grandmother. We will remember you all in our prayers.
Crookston Minnesota
Fern and my mother Bernice Tessier
were room-mates at Bethany Home.
Fern was a wonderful person, and she and my mom had a special bond. They looked out for each other, and Fern told me she thought of her as a sister.
Thank you God for Fern. Knowing she was a watchful eye for my mom when she needed help was a blessing for myself and my family. Bernice died on June 27th, 2012.
You have my sympathy and prayers.
The Family of Bernice Tessier
Fargo ND
My mother, aunt, and I enjoyed the joy of Fern’s friendship and sunny spirit at Bethany. We will miss her and her kindness.
Donna Lemar and Alma Berg
Detroit Lakes MN
To the Herzog Family,
Your Mother was a gem! We are all lucky to have been touched by that smile. Fern started working at Norby’s Department Store in 1963. In the spring of 1997, she had knee surgery which forced her into “early” retirement. Thirty four years at the same company…nearly unheard of in today’s world! Boy, do we miss that!
Prior to Norby’s, Fern worked as a waitress at the Proctor Café which was located right across the street from Norby’s. My father, Jim Norby, used to have coffee there most afternoons and found Fern to be most friendly and hospitable. “The kind of person you would like to have wait on you and sell you clothes,” he used to say. Before he died, when talking about Fern, he would often smile and say, “She is one of the best salespeople I have ever hired.”
Since Fern moved to Fargo, we have not had much communication, but many times I have used her as an example as how to work with customers and how easy it is to “sell” clothing to people when you smile, know your merchandise and treat people with respect.
She is now with your Father again and all the old Norby employees she used to work with: Gene & Heckla Craig, Hollis Wheeler, Jack DeWitt and last but not least Phil Halland.
Sell Jesus a new pair of pants Fern!
Sincerely,
Michael Norby
Norby’s Department Store
I worked with Fern many years ago at Norby’s and she has held a special place in my heart ever since then. She will be missed not only by her family but those of us who are left from her Norby’s family also. I just visited with Marion Michaelson on Friday at the grocery store and we talked about Fern. Fern was loved by so many and definitely helped make this world a better place. Sincerest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to you all.
Watertown MN
Grandma Fern I will never forget you, you’ve created so many amazing memories for me for that I will be forever grateful. Forever in my heart. Stephy
Phoenix AZ
I’m so very sorry to hear of Aunt Fern’s passing. I have many happy memories of spending time with your family in DL when we were children. She was always such a sweet lady.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.
Love,
Nancy
Gold Canyon AZ
My sweet Grandma talked to God every evening. She worked her way across the map, praying for all of her children, and their children, and their children, which is probably why she was usually up until all hours. She loved all of her little ones, and her love was a gift that made all of our lives more beautiful. Now, as we try to understand a life that somehow goes on without her, I will remember her legacy of a wonderful family and a life well lived. I will love you and miss you for the rest of my days, Grandma, but your spirit will always live on. And every evening as you lie next to Grandpa in heaven, I know you will be talking to God and praying for us all.
Park River ND
To Karen and her siblings. How sad it is to have to say good-bye to one of the most important person in your life your Mother. I remember Fern more for her smile. No matter where or when I saw her she smile. Even when I hung around the house with you Karen she was smiling. May she rest in peace. Death can take a love one but death can not take the memories. Cherish them forever. Pictures are great for memories. Now Fern is walking with your Dad and the rest of her loved one. Prayers for you and the rest of the family strength and healing.
Fargo ND
My first prayer my Mother taught me:
Now I lay me, down to sleep
I pray thee Lord my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake,
I pray thee Lord my soul to take.
God Bless Everyone and especially
our first dog Wottles and first
cat Mittens.
Amen
XOXOXOXOXO
LOVE YOU MOM – Doug
Bigfork MONTANAYou might be gone, but in our hearts you will never fade. You were and always will be the matriarch of this family. From our family in Montana, we will miss you but still remember your loving and caring heart. Thank you for your love and support through the dark times and good times.
Spring Park MN
I am so thankful to have had Fern Herzog as my Mother. When I contemplate her life as a wife, Mom, & Grandma I so appreciate that she was the “Glue” that held us all together. I miss her so already & look forward to seeing her again in the resurrection to unending life on earth when God`s promise is fulfilled. My love goes out to all of my family & friends.
Northglenn CoRest in peace Fern.
Jacksonville Choose a StateI did not know Fern, but feel as if I knew her from her grand-daughter, Rani. Blessings to her family and friends.
Grand Forks ND
Mom, we love you and miss you dearly you were always the focal point in initiating family reunions. Without you they would not have happened. Dad will be happy that you have joined him. We will continue your enthusiasm with the family legacy.
Larry and Yvonne