Herbert G. Mauritson, 90, Shelly, MN, died Sunday, October 4, 2015, in his home.

Herbert Gordon Mauritson, 90, the fifth child of Mayne and Selma (Nornes) Mauritson, was born October 7, 1924 in the home that his grandfather built on the east edge of Shelly, MN. He was a life-long member of the Shelly-Marsh River Lutheran Church. Herb attended Shelly Jefferson Elementary School and was a 1942 graduate of the Climax Public School. Herb's wish to leave this earthly life quietly, peacefully, and while remaining on the family farm, was granted on October 4, 2015.

Herb worked on the family farm as a young boy, driving horses to seed the crops after his father used their only tractor to prepare the ground. After years of cultivating with four horses and mowing, raking, hauling bundles and cleaning the barn with two horses, Herb decided that farming wasn't what he enjoyed. However, he developed a love for horses. In partnership with Dora Brown, they built their herd to forty beautiful, spirited Arabians. Herb continued to have Arabian horses in his barn until a few years ago, when he donated his last two to a boy's ranch near Park Rapids, MN.

Herb was involved in the plastering business for thirty years. He spent six years working in the Minneapolis area, where he was also able to train and show his Arabian horses. He then accepted a job as a construction superintendent with a large firm in Fargo, working on schools, churches and some of the tallest buildings in the Fargo-Moorhead area at that time. When his mother's eyesight was failing, Herb retired at an early age and moved back to the farm to help, allowing her to continue living at home.

Herb served as a Norman County Commissioner from 1983-1995 and was a member of ten multi-county boards during those years. At the age of 90, Herb still served on the Northwest Apartments board. He was one of the founding members of the Inspirations and was a member of the Shelly Quartet for several years. Herb was on the Red River Valley Winter Shows Board for several years and was asked to judge at many horse-related events. He also served on the Norman County Fair Board.

Content to stay home, Herb spent many hours observing from his favorite seat at the kitchen table. He read at least four western books every week and enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and NDSU Bison football as well as horse races, NCIS, and America's Funniest Home Videos.

Survivors include his son, Michael (Michelle) Spokely, one granddaughter, Riley Spokely, and four grandsons, Nicholas, Joshua, Zachary, and Jake Spokely, all of East Peoria, Illinois; his companion of 28 years, Debbie Dale, Climax, MN; sister-in-law, JoAnne Mauritson, Shelly, MN as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Herb's beloved Boston Terrier, Duke, is also mourning the loss of one of his closest people friends. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Irene Hermodson, Ruth Dyer, and infant, Lorraine Mauritson, and brothers James and Chester.

Memorial Service: 11:00AM, Thursday, October 15, 2015, at Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church, Shelly, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

Burial: Shelly Cemetery, Shelly, MN.