Herman Albert Gradert

Sibley, IA

Herman Gradert age 93, of Sibley, Iowa died Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Osceola Senior Living in Sibley.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 21st at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley, with Reverend Tim Nappe officiating.

Burial will be in the Holman Township Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.

Herman Albert Gradert was born on February 27, 1932, to Herman and Lillian (Heuer) Gradert on their family farm in rural Hawarden, lowa. He attended Eagle Township #1 Country School, outside of Ireton, Iowa, until eighth grade. He always said, “I went to high school for one day. Went in the front door, turned around, and went home to work.” When he wasn’t needed at the farm, he did power line work with his cousin Edwin for a few years and was on a custom corn-picking crew. He loved going to town with his friends on Saturday nights, even if it meant an early wake up call for chores from his father. Working on the family farm with his father and brothers would plant the seeds of his lifelong love of farming; which he then passed on to his sons, grandsons and great-grandsons.

In 1953, Herman was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and completed basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas before proudly serving overseas. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Herman always said joining the Army, and marrying the woman he did were the best decisions he ever made.

On February 9, 1957, Herman married Marjorie Berg in Sioux City, Iowa. They farmed near Reading, Minnesota for one year before moving to Sibley, which would remain their home. They enjoyed traveling across America, Europe and even driving to Alaska. They were members of the 500 Card Club for over 55 years. They retired in 1989 and moved into town so the next generation could raise their family on the farm. Even after retiring, Herman helped during harvest and ran the combine until 2012. Herman witnessed many changes in his lifetime. Even while working with his modern equipment, he could still remember a time when he would help his Dad hook up a team of horses to work in the field.

Herman was a lifelong member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sibley, a lifetime member of the Sibley V.F.W., and a member of the American Legion. Herman treasured his time with his family, and when time allowed, looked forward to conversations with friends at coffee at Jackrabbit Junction and at the V.F.W. for happy hour.

Those left to cherish Herman's memory are his wife of 68 years, Marjorie; daughter, Sharon Gradert and sons, Ernest (Angela) Gradert and Kevin (Laura) Gradert, all of Sibley; seven grandchildren: Melissa (Matt) Johnson of Garretson, SD; Cassandra (Clay) Walser of Faribault, MN; Breanna (Craig) Bosma of Rock Rapids, IA; James (Chenoa) Gradert of Sibley, IA; Morgan (Kasey) Trampel of Sibley, IA; Mandy (Griffin) Sturdevant of Sioux Falls, SD, and Carson (Gabby) Gradert of Sibley, IA; 16 great-grandchildren; brother Wilbur Gradert of Hawarden, IA; sister-in-law Caroline "Susie" Gradert of Sioux Center, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Ernest Gradert, sister and brother-in-law Betty (Charles) Wagner, brother and sister-in-law Kenneth (Marilyn) Gradert, brother and sister-in-law Richard (Carolyn) Gradert, brother Robert Gradert and sister-in-law Sandy Gradert.

His family is grateful to all the healthcare professionals who helped with his care during the past 9 months.

 In lieu of flowers, Gradert family prefers memorials, which will be directed to local non-profit organizations by family.