James "Jim" Herschberger

James "Jim" Herschberger was born November 8, 1935 in the farmhouse in Ash Lake Township, Lincoln County, Minnesota to Elmer and Alpha (Abraham) Herschberger. Jim grew up on the family farm and attended Country School District 61, later graduating from Lake Benton High School in 1953. After graduating, Jim met the love of his life Barbara Clawson on a blind date. That blind date led to their marriage on June 10, 1956 at First English Lutheran Church in Tyler, Minnesota. This union blessed them with five children, Terry, Michael, Patricia, Myles, and Eric. Jim and Barbara purchased their own farm in Ash Lake Township and Jim began trucking for local companies which he did throughout his years of farming. After 29 years of farming, Jim made the hard decision to retire from farming. Jim then began trucking for KOCH in Marshall, Minnesota. Jim along with his wife Barbara were very active members of the Grace Lutheran Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota. Jim was a member of the Trail Dusters Saddle Club, he especially enjoyed Saddle Horse Holidays in Lake Benton. He was a proud member of NFO and held many elected offices in the local chapter.

Jim retired from full-time work in 2000, but refused to stop working as he continued driving truck part-time for many years. After retirement, Jim enjoyed afternoon coffee with friends in Ivanhoe, riding horse, fishing, playing cards, and traveling over the years with his wife Barbara. Jim had a passion for hunting, Jim has not missed a deer hunting season since he first starting hunting at the age of 14. Above all things that gave Jim joy, was time spent with his family.

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Jim died surrounded by loving family in his home, on his farm where it all began.

He is lovingly remembered by his five children, Terry (Jerry) Peterson of Jasper, Minnesota, Michael (Rhonda) Herschberger of Nevada, Iowa, Patricia (Bryce) Nielsen of Ivanhoe, Minnesota, Myles Herschberger of Albertville, Minnesota, Eric (Angy) Herschberger of North Port, Florida; Jim's brother, Calvin (Frances) Herschberger of Gaffney, South Carolina; sister-in-law, Janice James of Houston, Texas; 14 grandchildren, Angie Olsonawski, Kevin Peterson, Paul Peterson, Timothy Herschberger, Christopher Herschberger, Rebecca DuLac, Stephanie Kobes, Anthony Nielsen, Kandice Haney, Andrew Herschberger, Myles Herschberger, Ryan Herschberger, Chelsey Randall, Jordan Herschberger; and 20 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Herschberger; and his parents, Elmer and Alpha Herschberger.