Douglas Dean Herda

Rock Rapids, Iowa            CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVESTREAM

Douglas “Doug” D. Herda, age 66, of Rock Rapids, IA died Friday, July 17, 2026, near Royal, IA, as a result of a work-related accident.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 22nd, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids.

A memorial mass will be at 10:30 AM, Thursday, July 23rd, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Father Sunny Dominic as Celebrant.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Herda family for later designation.

Doug was born to Joseph and Ailene (Heidebrink) Herda on December 6th,1959, in Luverne, Minnesota. He was born second of five siblings and raised in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Doug attended Central Lyon High School and went on to earn his GED. He courted and then married his high school sweetheart, Linda Bontje from Lester, Iowa, on October 13,1979 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Larchwood, Iowa.

Doug started his career working for Alan and Candy Miller on their farm outside Rock Rapids where “ifaguycould” was developed and nurtured. Later Doug worked for Cargill Elevator and the Edna Elevator. He then started his own trucking company, “Herda Transportation”. Following the sale of his company, Doug drove for McCormack Transportation and then moved into mechanical roles, holding positions for Vant Hul Repair in Rock Rapids and Klein Trucking located in Royal, Iowa. Doug had the ability to fix almost anything along with the directional aptitude to get someone headed north (left or right) regardless of where they were located when they called him.

Doug and Linda raised four kids: Trent, Brooke, Nate, and Morgan, who all graduated from Central Lyon High School. Doug loved his kids dearly and followed their activities and supported their ambitions. It was routine for him to spontaneously travel overnight to assist his children with whatever they needed at that time. Doug was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. A true son of Rock Rapids, Doug was an advocate for the Rock River and Island Park. He knew every inch of the river and county, likely learned through mischievous behavior with his brothers and friends. Doug was elected and served a term on the Rock Rapids City Council where he furthered investment into Island Park. He also raced stock cars at Rapid Speedway during which, “The car ran most of the 1980 Season”, according to what our record book reflects. Following his racing career, Doug often took his kids to push start sprint cars on Friday nights. Additionally, Doug built and raced many Figure 8 cars, often starting the preparation process a day or two before the race.

Doug’s favorite title was “Grandpa”, and he wore it proudly, known for his four-wheeler rides, tube whips, and general mischief. Youth in Rock Rapids were often drawn to Doug because of his childlike enthusiasm, humor, and mischief. He loved fishing, whether it was in Florida with his sons or on the ice of Iowa with his friends and family.

Doug is survived by his wife, Linda Herda of Rock Rapids, Iowa; his children, Trent (Ashley) Herda of Lawrence, Kansas, Brooke (Luis) Arias of Laconia, New Hampshire, Nate (Elizabeth) Herda of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and Morgan Herda of Rock Rapids, Iowa; mother, Ailene Herda of Orange City, Iowa; his siblings, Mark (Melinda) Herda of Spencer, Iowa, Peggy (Brian) Bursch of Buffalo, Minnesota, Lori (David) Mars of Orange City, Iowa, and Brenda (Gary) Richardson of Alton, Iowa; his prized grandchildren, Chandler, Aubrey, Hudson, Clark, Emmalynn, Margaret, Jada, Charlotte, Isabelle, and Dreamer; his devoted four-legged companion, Harlee; four sisters-in-law, Pam (John) Hawf of Lester, IA, Diana (Dave) Bigge of Sioux Falls, SD, Patti (Doug) Pottebaum of Inwood, IA and Sandi (Jim) Lupkes of Rock Rapids, IA; one brother-in-law, Craig (Becky) Bontje of Rock Rapids, IA; close family friends, Alan and Candy Miller of Beulah, Wyoming; and many nieces and nephews whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Herda; brother, David Herda; mother-in-law, Ellen (Cook) Bontje; father-in law, Louis Bontje; and grandson, Gabriel Lowe-Farmer.