Thomas Eugene Herker

Thomas E. Herker, age 68, of rural Kingston died on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church in Forest City. Visitation will be from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM on Wednesday, May 23rd at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield with a parish prayer service at 7:30. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church. Interment will be in the St. Gertrude’s Catholic Cemetery. Thomas Eugene Herker, the son of Vern and Vera (Beavers) Herker, was born on July 31, 1949, in Doland, SD. He attended school in Willow Lake and graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1967; where he still holds a pole vault record. On September 6, 1969, he was united in marriage to Lorraine Stitz in Bryant, SD. They moved to Minneapolis and Thomas worked as a welder for Garlock Equipment. They moved to the Kingston area in 1979 and lived there until the present. He retired after 35 years at Garlock and helped his neighbors farm. Thomas was a member of St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church and was an active member of the Kingston Lions Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing cards; especially cribbage. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and the rest of his family. He is survived by his wife Laurie Herker of Kingston; sons Chris (Kerry) Herker of Sartell, Tony Herker (Shari Larson) of Watkins; grandchildren Lauren, Molly, Lucas, Logan, Alexandra Herker, Sara and Jada Larson; and great granddaughter Evelynn Herker. He is also survived by his sisters Phyllis Schmidt of Willow Lake, SD, Beverly (Al) Doine of Sun City, AZ, Eva (Ron) Frank of Blaine; brothers Jerry (Patricia) Herker of Medical Lake, WA and Ronald (MaryJo) Herker of Coon Rapids; and sister-in-law Sally Herker. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Dora, Belva, Alma, June and Darlene; brothers Merlyn, Russel, Elden, Dale and Teddy.