Herbert Oehlerts, 87, Luverne, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004, at the Veterans Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.Services were Saturday, Jan. 10, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Gary Klatt officiated. Burial, with military honors, was at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. Herbert Oehlerts was born to William and Anna (Sievers) Oehlerts in Mound Township, Rock County. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran who served in Alaska and the European Theater under General Patton. He married DeVona Sievert on Oct. 28, 1945, in Luverne. The couple first farmed in Magnolia and then Hardwick. In January 1949, they purchased a farm in Beaver Creek Township and lived there ever since. Mr. Oehlerts was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing and reading. Survivors include his wife, DeVona Oehlerts, rural Luverne; three sons, Larry (Myrna) Oehlerts, Anaheim, Calif., Dennis (Vania) Oehlerts, Morrison, Colo., and Kevin (Donna) Oehlerts, Luverne; three daughters, Sandra (Bill) Boles, Puducah, Ky., Shirley Rinell, Littleton, Colo., and Vickie (Gerry) Stamm, Irvine, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Viola Stein, Ellsworth; a sister-in-law, Jean Oehlerts, Ellsworth; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Mr. Oehlerts was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Eldo, Clarence and Walt.Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.
