On Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, Gilbert Franz Herget, 94, wascalled home to the open arms of Jesus.

Friends may greet the family from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road in Austin, and one hour before the funeral mass. Mass of Christian burial is set for 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. A Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 2:45 p.m. Sunday before the visitation. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Medford.

He was born Sept. 23, 1920, in Meriden Township to Gottlieb and Adeline (Enzenauer) Herget. He grew up on the farm helping with driving horses, the thrashing and the thrill of the first car. He completed eight years of school at rural District 39.

On April 28, 1945, he married Lillian Spinler at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. They were the proud parents of six children all living today, Gerald (Deb) Herget of Albert Lea, Gilbert M. Herget of Little Falls, Mary Jo (Tim) McLaughlin of Nevada, Iowa,Teresa Klecker of Owatonna, Christine (Terry) Trickey of Waseca and Joseph (Janet) Herget of Brainerd. He instilled in them the love and appreciation of the country and the sacredness of everything God created.

He served on the school board of rural District 2113 for many years. Gilbert loved listening to old time polka and western music on the radio, often whistling along while milking his cows. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes in the summer evening after chores.

Gilbert took pride in his farm as it was recognized as a century farm and remains in the family today. As he retired his favorite hobbies were gardening, helping on the farm, reading and having a fun game of cards with family and friends. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 945 and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He loved being the proud grandpa of 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.

He is survived by his sister, Wanda Welsch, of Owatonna.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Lillian, in 2005; brother, Herman Herget; sister, Frieda Dolgner; grandson, Rodney Herget; daughter-in-law, Barbara Herget; and son-in-law, Thomas Klecker.

Memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Church, Homestead Hospice House or donor’s choice. For more information or to leave an online condolence go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.