David Charles Herbranson was born on January 19, 1959, to Theodore K. “Ted” and Anna Marie (Aakre) Herbranson in Detroit Lakes, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Rollag Lutheran Church. He graduated from Barnesville High School in 1977. He went on to further his education at Moorhead, State University until his dad fell ill, when he went home to carry on the family farm which was settled in 1871.
On July 30, 1982, he married Joanne Krabbenhoft in Trinity Lutheran Church in Sabin, MN. Dave was a farmer all of his life. He absolutely loved farming and passed down his love of agriculture to all of his kids. From the infant age and up, he had them in a tractor and combine seats, either strapped into the buddy seats or blankets on the floors, or behind the seat. They all learned quickly what it meant when he would say “shift!” He always said a farmer has to have faith in God. “The farmer plants a seed and God has control after that.” Dave’s love for sports was also what kept him busy when not farming. In high school he participated in football, basketball, and track. He carried this love through his adult life, playing basketball and softball into his 60’s. He really enjoyed coaching his kids in basketball and Rollag Softball. Not only because of spending time with his kids but also spending time with his kid’s friends. He was among the volunteers who built the Rollag Field of Dreams softball field.
Dave served on many boards and committees, sharing his calm and common-sense expertise. He served on the Rollag Church Council, Clay County FSA, Hawley Silver Lake Oil Company, Barnesville School Board, Hawley Elevator, to name a few. He and Joanne were nominated to serve as Clay County Ambassadors on the Lake Agassiz Emerging Leadership Program.
David is survived by his wife Joanne Herbranson, children: Laura (Paul) Anderson, and their boys Thomas, Will, and Henry; son in law Justin Halvorson and their son Hoyt; Erica (Jordan) Zillmer and their children Theodore, Jayne, Orin, and Norman; Nicole (Brady) Tweeton; Simon Pender; Mason Herbranson (fiance’ Mikayla Schlauderhoff); one brother Dennis (Sandy) Herbranson; brothers in law Rick Bowler, Jeff (Jolette) Krabbenhoft, David (Crystal) Krabbenhoft, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Dave was preceded in death by his daughter Jaynie in 2018, parents Ted in 2008, Anna in 2018, sister Marilee Thompson, sister-in-law Christie Herbranson, niece Cheri Thompson, mother and father-in-law Duaine “Shorty” and Nettie “Betty” Krabbenhoft.
David passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the ValleyCare and Rehab Center in Barnesville, MN.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Rollag Church with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Wednesday.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Rollag Lutheran Church in Rollag with Rev. Keith Zeh officiating. Burial will follow in the Rollag Cemetery.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Rollag Lutheran Church
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Starts at 7:00 pm (Central time)
Rollag Lutheran Church
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Rollag Lutheran Church
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