Patti Ann Herring

Patti Ann Herring (Brunelle) of Flasher, went to be with our Lord and Savior on April 25, 2025, at the age of 70.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Flasher. Visitation will be held from 5-6 P.M., Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Flasher with the rosary / prayer service to begin at 6:00 P.M.

Patti was born September 3, 1954 and was raised in Williston, ND where she attended St. Joseph Catholic School for 8 years and went on to graduate from Williston High School in 1972.

Patti loved the farm life. She loved cows and horses and would be outside all day if she could. She met the love of her life Mike Herring while she was attending Veterinary Technology School in Thermopolis, WY. She started her first job as a vet technician in Dayton. She and Mike started their story at the Padlock ranch in Sheriden, living amongst other cowboys and girls on the mountain caring for cows. She and Mike were married at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on September 3, 1977. On May 24, 1981, they welcomed their first daughter Jaci.

In January of 1982, they moved to the armpit of the Oklahoma panhandle for Mike to start working for Northern Natural Gas company. In this beautiful red dirt country, they welcomed their second daughter Tina on October 2, 1982. Patti continued to work with animals at the vet clinic in Shattuck. While raising their kids in Oklahoma, they raised their girls to love softball, basketball, camping at the lake, and horse races. Patti and Mike never missed a game as both the biggest cheerleaders and strictest coaches for not only their girls but the children of their friends. Surrounded by her Okie “family”, Patti and her friends loved going to rodeos, dances, and craft shows.

On May 22,1995, the Herrings moved back to Patti’s homeland amongst the Breaks of North Dakota to be closer to family. Pat worked at the Western Vet Clinic. Patti’s love of 4H as a kid, carried into parenthood. She taught her girls to sew and bake and all the life lessons 4H teaches a child. Patti helped the girls as an advisor to the 4H club for older members called the Junior Leaders. She advised the kids on community service opportunities throughout Williams County, helping to foster a love of community and leadership. They moved to their place in the twelve-mile township and Patti got to work remodeling the farmhouse that they had moved onto the place. With the help and support of family Mike, Patti, and the girls raised cattle while still working in town.

Following their retirement with the goal of being closer to family, Mike and Patti moved to south central ND wanting to be always present and supportive to their grandchildren. Patti attended every event the grandkids did. Being a grandma was Patti’s calling. Her ability to sew and her background in medicine made her the go to for questions of all kinds. They got a place close to the girls all their own and Patti got to work remodeling another farmhouse. Mike and Patti were always running from one event to another for the grandkids but found the time to help Jaci with her farm. She loved helping with the cows and calves most of all. Working alongside her daughter and granddaughters brought her so much joy and pride in the young women they are becoming. Between Jaci’s girls and now Tina’s kids entering sports, every season was full. Running for them was her favorite. Going home to her little slice of heaven with Mike provided the rest she needed to get up and run another day.

Patti also loved to sew and would make all the girls' holiday dresses and any other special occasion outfits that they needed. As time went on, she began quilting. What started out as one quilting retreat a year quickly became two or three. She would stop at any fabric store she spotted. She enjoyed this time because she got to spend time with her sisters and sisters-in-laws.

Patti is survived by her husband, Mike of the home; daughter, Jacalyn Hartman (Jason Bachmeier) and her three girls: Hayli, McKenzie, and Cassy of Raleigh; daughter, Tina (Kelly) Hetzel and their two kids: Noah and Lily of Flasher; brothers: Mike (Laurie) Brunelle, Kelly Brunelle, Mark Brunelle, and brother-in-law, Lane Knudsen; sisters: Kathy (Scott) Soderstrom, Carrie (Robin) Anderson, Mary (Casey) O’Neil, Paula (Neil) Hagen; sister-in-law, Teresa (George) Ross and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Patti is preceded in death by her parents, Olga and Edgar Brunelle; sister, Jayne Knudsen and in-laws George and Toy Herring.

Memorials in Patti's name are suggested to benefit the Flasher Fire and Ambulance. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for all the care this organization provided to Patti and her family.