Sylvia Herfendahl

Sylvia G. Herfendahl, 82, Detroit Lakes, died Sunday, December 23 at Ecumen- Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes.

A Celebration of Sylvia’s Life will be held Saturday, December 29 at 11AM in David Donehower Funeral Home.  A gathering of friends and family will be held one hour prior to services.

Sylvia Geraldine Helseth was born August 29, 1936 in Barnesville, MN to Henry and Clara (Haga) Helseth.   She graduated from Battle Lake High School in 1954.  After high school she attended Moorhead State Teachers College.  Sylvia was united in marriage to James Herfendahl on May 20, 1958.  After marriage they moved to California for a short period of time.  In 1960, they moved to Fergus Falls where Sylvia worked for OtterTail County Human Services.  In 1967, she accepted a position with Becker County as the Administrative Assistant to the Becker County Human Services Director, a position she held for over 23 years.  Sylvia and Jim enjoyed travelling to California visiting family.  Sylvia enjoyed a good conversation with anyone willing to visit; she also enjoyed fishing, reading and her coffee groups.   For over 15 years, Sylvia battled breast cancer.  She never once complained over this time, and always maintained a positive attitude and outlook on life.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be deeply missed.

Syliva is survived by her two daughters:  Lori Anderson (Lindy Rierson) of Christine, ND, and Julie (Pete) Randolph of Detroit Lakes.  In addition she is survived by six grandchildren:  Jamie Anderson (Larry Larson), Travis (Donna) Anderson, Ashley (Jacob) Manly, Alexa (Jared) Mairs, Chris Hanson and Melissa Hanson along with seven great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by one sister, Marilyn Somers of Fergus Falls.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, James Herfendahl.

Syliva’s family would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the staff at Emmanuel Nursing Home and Hospice of the Red River Valley.  Your care and comfort during Sylvia’s last days will always be remembered.