Herbert O. Vanourny

Herbert O. Vanourny, 93, Ellendale, ND was born March 30, 1916, on the family farm near Ashley, ND. Herbert was the son of Charles and Katherine (Geiszler) Vanourny. He attended school in Ashley until 8th grade while also working on the family farm. As a young adult, Herbert worked in California at a winery. Later he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) and worked in Redwing, MN. When he returned to the family farm near Ashley, he met Alma Helfenstein. On March 6, 1945, Herbert and Alma were united in marriage at the Ashley Baptist Church. After their marriage, they purchased their farm north of Forbes where they raised small grain, livestock, chickens, and milked cows. They remained on the farm in retirement until 1999 when they moved to the parsonage in Forbes. In the fall of 2007 Herbert and Alma moved to their present, independent living residence, at Evergreen Place, Ellendale. Herbert resided there until his death May 23, 2009, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, SD. Herbert was a quiet gentle man who loved his God, family and being outdoors. His eyes always held a special sparkle for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Herbert was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Forbes from 1945 until his death. Work was his main hobby. He enjoyed playing “Rook”, singing around the piano and watching “All Star Wrestling” (a passion he shared with his twin brother). Grateful to have shared his life are his wife: Alma Vanourny, Ellendale, ND; three daughters: Sharon (Jim) Bohl, Lincoln, NE, Bonnie (Kenny) Hochhalter, Arthur, ND, Candace Flakoll, Ames, IA; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; one sister; one half-sister; one grandchild and one son-in-law: Paul Flakoll. The funeral service is 10:30am Friday and visitation one hour prior to the service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Forbes, with Reverend Alan Eppen officiating. Visitation is 4-8pm with a prayer service at 7pm Thursday at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Burial is at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen, at a later date. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.