Herbert E. Roy, age 83, of Roy Lake, MN, died Sunday, August 11, 2019, at his home.

Herbert Earl was born in White Earth, MN, on April 5, 1936, the son of David and Christine (Rice) Roy.  He grew up in the Pine Bend area where he attended grade school and graduated from Fosston High School with the class of 1954.  Following graduation, Herb enlisted, along with his brother Leo, with the United States Navy and they proudly served their country on the USS Ajax.  Upon Herb's honorable discharge, he returned to the White Earth Reservation and was united in marriage to Amelia "Millie" LaFriniere on July 6, 1959.  Herb furthered his education at Dunwoody Institute, receiving his associate degree as an electrician.  The couple was blessed with six children and they made their home in a few different communities before settling at Roy Lake in 1977.  Herb owned and operated Roy's Electric for many years before retiring in his 70's.  Along the way, he was happy to pass his knowledge and electricians skills on to his children, sons-in-law and even some of his grandchildren.

In his younger years, Herb enjoyed snowmobiling, deer hunting, and playing various sporting events like football, volleyball, and softball.  As he aged, he continued to enjoy those same sporting events, not as a participant but as a coach, sponsor and supportive parent and grandparent cheering on his boys and grandchildren.  Family was Herb's highest priority and his life was forever changed with the death of his two sons so he always treasured any time spent with his family especially all his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren.  In 2013, Kendall "The Nurse" entered his life bringing much joy as his baby. Later in 2017, Nelly Jo "The Boss" followed.  They were Herb's pride and joy and together they tried to nurse him back to good health.  Times together like all the wonderful Sunday dinners at his and Millie's home or watching "Peppa Pig" or "Spongebob Square Pants" with the grandkids were cherished events for Herb.  More recently in his retirement years, he looked forward to Elders day at the casino, pow wows, trips with the Elders Program, working Sudoku Puzzles and watching westerns on television.  Herb was a dedicated member of the IBEW Local Union 292 since 1962.  He also held membership with the White Earth Honor Guard and St. Anne's Catholic Church.  He will be greatly missed by many but live on in their hearts forever.

Herb is survived by his wife of 60 years, Amelia, of Roy Lake; two daughters, Lynda Wadena of Waubun, and Cindy (Richard) Doerfler also of Roy Lake; two sons, Michael (Stacy) Roy of Ada, MN, and Scott Roy of Roy Lake; 13 grandchildren: Kassandra Wadena, AmiJo Wadena, Jason (Sarah) Doerfler, Jennifer (Brett) Doerfler, Heather (Skip) Murray, Madi Roy, Emma Roy, Michael Roy Jr., Joseph Roy, Keith Oppegard, Justine (Jacob) Curtis, Keisha (Logan) Brendemuhl, and Faith Roy; 11 great-grandchildren: Douglas (Kourtney) Doerfler, Jeffrey Doerfler, Jon Doerfler, Tiana (Hunter) Roy, Benjamin Tibbetts, Jocelyn Tibbetts, Kendall Murray, Nelly Jo Murray, Peyton Curtis, Ethan Blue, Graysen Blue; three great-great grandchildren: Emmilyn Clark-Hanks, Hendrix Clark-Hanks and Abel Boudreau; two sisters, Rose Anderson of White Earth, MN, and Ada (Roy) Hobbs of Hibbing, MN; two brothers, Leo Roy Sr. and Robert Roy, both of Waubun; sister-in-law, Judy Roy of Carlton, MN; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Tim and Jeff Roy; granddaughter, Charli Lynn Wadena; great-granddaughter, Lexie Clark; sons-in-law, Douglas Doerfler and Charles E. Wadena; five sisters: Della Roy, Georgianna Weimer, Isabelle Raider, Priscilla DeFoe and Irene Cavender; and three brothers: Francis, Ben and Louis Roy.

Blessed be the memory of Herbert Roy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 16, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Naytahwaush, MN.  Visitation will take place at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, on Thursday, August 15, 2019, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held in St. Anne's Cemetery.