Van "Skip" Herringer, age 67, of Ada, MN, died Wednesday, August 16th, 2006 in Bridges Medical Services, Ada.

Van Dean Herringer, known as Skip, was born April 14th, 1939, to Harry and Alma (Lee) Herringer in Ada, MN. He was raised there and graduated with the class of 1957, from the Ada High School. As a young man, Skip was employed by Coast to Coast in Ada where he delivered gas. On August 4th, 1962, Skip was united in marriage to Ruth Babler at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ada, MN, where they made their home. He entered the United States Army, in September of 1962, proudly serving his country while stationed in Korea. After his honorable discharge on January 21, 1964, Skip returned to Ada and worked at the Larson Motor Company as a mechanic and for Howard Goddeke repairing lawn mowers. He then began a career with the Simpson Motor Company, which later became Berby Ford, and continued to work there for over 30 years until its closing. Skip most recently was employed at Roger's Auto and Truck Repair in Halstad, MN, until it also closed. Skip continued to do repairs for friends and family from his home.

Skip was always tinkering and fixing things around home and in his "shop". He was often known as "Mr. Fix It" and loved to work on projects for friends and neighbors, always finding time to help out family. Skip was a Life Member of the Ada VFW, was active in the Legion, and served for over twenty years on the Ada Volunteer Fire Department. His greatest joys were fishing, making lures, woodworking, and simply spending time at the lake with family. In his younger years, he enjoyed deer hunting and fishing with his dad and friend, "Sarg". He cherished his granddaughters who he lovingly called his "dudes".

Skip is survived by his wife, Ruth of Ada, MN; three daughters, Gerrie Aasland of Ada, MN, Melane (John) Gustavson of Woodbury, MN, and Corrie Herringer of Ada, MN; two brothers, Darrell (Arla) Herringer of Hastings, NE, Russell (Betty) Herringer of St. Petersburg, FL; one sister, Linda (Ron) Hiller of Perley, MN; two brothers-in-law, Richard (Mary) Babler of Roosevelt, MN and Vince (LaVonne) Babler of Borup, MN; one sister-in-law, Helen Sargent of Ada, MN; five granddaughters, Mandy and Mallory Aasland, Jasmine Herringer, and Jackie and Katie Gustavson. Surviving also are several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

His parents; one brother, Bob Herringer; one sister, Marjorie Cain; and one brother-in-law, Bob "Sarg" Sargent, precede him in death.

Visitation was held on Friday, August 18th, 2006 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a Prayer Service following at 7:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ada, MN.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, August 19th, 2006 at 11:00 AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ada, MN. Father Tom Friedl presided. The musicians were Bonnie Lee and Danette Gwin with Brenda Lund as soloist and Carol Gwin as Cantor. Serving as pallbearers were Mark Babler, Terry Babler, Bruce Babler, Lee Babler, Pete Babler, Jim Sargent and Tim Sargent. The Ada VFW and the Ada Fire Department were the honorary bearers. The Ada Veterans Honor Guard provided military honors.

Interment took place at the Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.