Craig Hertsgaard

Craig M. Hertsgaard, of Litchfield, died peacefully July 1, 2012 at Emmanuel Home in Litchfield, MN. The son of Carl and Margaret Hertsgaard, he was born September 21, 1921 in Mandan, ND. Craig graduated from Lake Park High School in 1939. He attended Concordia College, Moorhead MN graduating with majors in Economics and History in 1943. As a Concordia basketball player he earned all-conference honors three times and was team captain in both his junior and senior years. Upon graduating, Craig reported for naval officer training at the Midshipmen's School at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. In January 1944 he entered submarine training in New London, CT and soon after began service on the U.S.S Sailfish, patrolling the Formosa Straits during World War II. Craig married G. Sylvia Gronseth, his college sweetheart, January 30, 1945 in Britton, SD. Their wedding took place upon his return from submarine service in the Pacific. They moved to New London, CT, where Craig continued his submarine service. Following World War II they moved to Cavalier, N.D. and Craig went into business with his father. In 1963, they opened the Ben Franklin Store in Faribault, which they operated until 1984 when they retired. During retirement they enjoyed wintering in Bella Vista, AR. In 2003 they moved to Litchfield, MN. Craig was an active member of the Litchfield community. He was a devoted member and supporter of Zion Lutheran Church and its OWLS group, Emmanuel Nursing Home, the U.S.S Meeker County Navy Club and the Litchfield Submarine Veterans. Craig loved his alma mater, Concordia College. He was a charter member of the C-400 Club, a member of the Lettermen's Club, and with his wife Sylvia served as a Class Agent for more than twenty years. In 1993 he was inducted into the Concordia College Athletic Hall of Fame. He was active in the communities in which he lived and his greatest joy was his wife and family. He loved to golf, travel and was an avid bridge player. He is survived by his daughters Sandra (Robert) Gromatka, of Bella Vista, AR, Mary (Ted) Loftness of Litchfield, Ruth (Glenn) Zeise of Redwood Falls, and Kristine (Richard) Hertsgaard Kincaid of Kenyon, MN; grandchildren Gretchen Gromatka, Siri Loftness, Maren Loftness, Craig Zeise, Elizabeth Zeise, Benjamin Zeise, Kelsey Hertsgaard Kincaid, Kyla Hertsgaard Kincaid; and great-granddaughter Lillian Wilkins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Sylvia, and his parents. Services will be held Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield with a reception following the service. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 5, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., also at Zion and one hour prior to services. Interment will be at Kindred Cemetery, Kindred, ND. Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, 504 N. Gilman Ave, Litchfield, MN 55355; Emmanuel Home, 600 Davis Ave, Litchfield MN 55355; or Concordia College, 901 8th Street So, Moorhead MN. The family wishes to thank the staff of Emmanuel Home, clergy members and Litchfield Area Hospice.Previous Events Visitation Thursday, July 5, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Friday, July 6, 2012 11:00 AM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355