Herbert L. Worms, age 90, of Mahnomen, MN, died, Saturday February 27, 2010 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in Mahnomen.

Herbert Lambert Worms was born to Lambert and Agnes (Ellering) Worms on November 10, 1919 on their home farm in Spring Hill Township during a blizzard. The doctor was not able to make it to the farm, so Agnes' sister helped with the birth. Herb only spoke German until the age of six, when he began school. He was a mischievous child and could often be found with his brothers, snaring gophers or smashing watermelons, instead of going to school. Herb did attend Spring Hill country school and was proud of the fact that he only received an 8th grade education. As a young man, Herb worked from 1941 to 1947 for neighboring farms as well as for Neight Field Seed Co. On February 25, 1946 he was united in marriage to Alma Meyer. From 1946 to 1951, Herb and Alma lived in various places as he worked building power lines up and down the Red River Valley and through the Dakota's. In 1950, Herb built the power lines that brought the first electricity to the White Earth - Elbow Lake area east of Mahnomen. In 1951, they bought a dairy farm in Mahnomen where they raised their family. In 1990 the farm was sold to their son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Gina Worms. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004 and amazed doctors with his great health and positive attitude, he fought the disease bravely. Just weeks ago, Herb entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Herb served on the Cass Clay Board of Directors for 25 years and the Marsh Creek town board for many years. He was a member of the Farmer's Union and also St. Michael's Catholic Church, where he served many years as an usher. In their younger years, both Herb and Alma enjoyed dances, card parties and visiting with neighbors. Herb was also an avid reader. He cherished time at Elkhorn Resort with family and he could be often found visiting with anyone at length. Herb had the special talent to create one of a kind lawn ornaments out of discarded items and enjoyed peaceful moments sitting outside his house enjoying the scenery. Herb took great pride being a part of his grandchildren's 4-H livestock projects and teaching his grandchildren his skills and talents. His great sense of humor and teasing nature will be remembered by many. Herb's main passion was truly farming and he loved to spend his extra time in the garden.

Herb is survived by one son, Steve (Gina) Worms of Mahnomen; two daughters, Shirley (Cliff) Johnson of Fargo, ND and Bonnie (Ron) Liebl of Mahnomen; 8 grandchildren: Kristine (Kevin) Gyolai, David (Karla) Johnson, Derek (Angie) Johnson, Jennifer (Ray) Cook, Douglas Liebl, Kaitlin Worms, Jake Worms and Hanna Worms; 9 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond Worms and Melvin Worms of both of Melrose, MN; and one sister, Lorraine (Tony) Imdieke also of Melrose.


Herbert is proceeded in death by his wife, Alma; his parents; sister, Bernice Athmann; brothers, Leonard and Luverne Worms.

Funeral Services were held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday March 2, 2010 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Celebrant was Father Mario Prada and concelebrate was Father Rick Lambert. The pianist was Brenda Sorensen with Monica Winter and Dave Kochmann providing special music. The readers were Kaitlin Worms and David Johnson. The pallbearers were Jeff Bisek, Jerome Slette, Dennis Neisen, Clint McLaughlin, Dave Vipond and Ray Bisek. Honorary pallbearers were Everett and Gloria Darco, Donovan and Pauline Vizenor, Kevin Kjersten, Glenn Hanson and all of Herb's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation was held at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Monday, March 1, 2010 from 5:00pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service and KC Rosary beginning at 6:30 pm. Father Mario Prada was the celebrant. Pianist was Brenda Sorensen with Dave Kochmann, Duane Schouveiller and Joe Dewey providing special music.

Interment took place at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.