Herbert T. Fick

HERBERT THEODORE FICK was born to Peter H. and Dorathea K. (Winter) Fick on August 11, 1926 on the family farm in Martin Township, Rock County, Minnesota. He was baptized at his parents’ home on August 29, 1926. Herb grew up as the youngest of eight brothers. He attended country school in District 57. In 1939, he moved with his parents into Luverne. His parents bought him a bicycle to help ease his transition into living in town. He was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne on July 13, 1941. Herb attended high school in Luverne. He delivered groceries for Dave’s Market for a few years, and later helped his brothers with farm work.

In October of 1950, Herb entered the U.S. Army, and eventually served in Korea at an ammunition depot. While in the service, Herb thought about the farm he hoped to build up back home, and would even sketch diagrams of the farm on munitions boxes. After his discharge in October of 1952, Herb returned to the Luverne area to farm.

Herb was united in marriage to Darlene Kruse at St. John Lutheran Church on May 17, 1953. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). They were married by The Rev. Martin Hauser, the same pastor who had baptized and confirmed Herb. Herb and Darlene were married in the old St. John Church building shortly before it was taken down by the Fick brothers.

After they were married, Herb and Darlene moved to a farm five miles southwest of Luverne. They moved an 18’ x 20’ house onto the farm site, and set up their household. Herb and Darlene raised four children. Herb and Darlene lived on the farm until Herb retired after the harvest in 1987, at which time they moved to their home on North Elm Street in Luverne.

Herb had a gentle way about him, and he had a good sense of humor. He was blessed with mechanical aptitude. He had a curiosity about how things worked, and could fix many things with his hands.

When their children were young, Herb and Darlene got involved in camping. Herb and his family spent time at many different campgrounds in the area, first in a tent, later in a pull-camper, and then for years in a Winnebago mobile home. Some of Herb’s happiest times were spent at a picnic table at a campground, or around a campfire, with his wife, his children, and their families. “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table” (Psalm 128:3).

After moving into Luverne, Herb helped his son part-time with field work. He also put in many hours of volunteer work for the senior citizens’ center, the hospital, and RSVP. Herb enjoyed going on bus tours with Darlene, especially their trip to Alaska. They also found pleasure in holiday get-togethers with their children and grandchildren. Herb was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church. At different times, Herb taught Sunday school, ushered, and served as an advisor to the church’s youth group.

Herb is survived by his four children: Katherine Garrels and her husband, Myron, of Sioux Falls; Joanne Gabriel and her husband, Greg, of Beatrice, Nebraska; Melvin Fick and his wife, Denise, of Luverne; and Janice Fick and her husband, Bryce Niessink of Luverne; eight grandchildren: Michelle, Ryan, and Kami Garrels; Tim and Chris Gabriel; Erica and her husband, Zach Sanderson, Jessica Fick and her fianc Dylan Stokes, and Marissa Fick; two sisters-in-law, Florence Fick of Beaver Creek and Meta Fick of Luverne; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Virgil and Betty Kruse of Milan, Minnesota; and faithful friend, Gerhard Fick of Luverne.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers: Henry, Louis, Albert, Willie, Fritz, Paul, and Arthur; and in 2009, by his beloved partner in life, Darlene. Herb has passed away, but his life with the Lord continues. Jesus said: “Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live” (John 11:25).