Dennis Ralph Herold

Dennis Ralph Herold, 77, of Stoddard, passed away peacefully on August 6th surrounded by his family at the home farm where he grew up and lived most of his life. Dennis was born July 13, 1947, to Ralph and Audrey Herold in La Crosse. He graduated from Luther High School in 1965. He was drafted into the Army in 1966 and served until 1968; he spent 13 months in Vietnam where he worked in the motor-pool. Upon returning home he continued working as a mechanic for many years, spent time as a long-haul truck driver, a milk truck driver and then spent the remainder of his career as a welder/fabricator at St. Joseph Equipment Industrial Division. In March of 1969 he married Sharon Ann (Stoddard). They later divorced but found they could not live without each other’s company and spent the last 10 years rekindling their relationship.

He is survived by the love of his life-Sharon Herold, daughter Stephanie (Andy) Chroninger, siblings Kathy (Leon) Brands, Rick (Quin) Herold, Joel (Charlene) Herold, Becky (Darrel) Bowman, grandchildren Nathaniel (Megan), Krysta, Cameron, Nolan & NcAylee, great grandchildren Noah, Christopher and Rosalie, plus many nieces & nephews; also, Rose Schams Wolff (Nathaniel’s mom), who has always been like a daughter to Dennis and Sandra (Kulcinski) Herold, former sister-in-law & friend.

Dennis was preceded in death by son Charles and parents, Audrey and Ralph Herold.

Dennis loved creating things with his hands. He spent his retirement years building playground equipment for his grandchildren, fine tuning the go cart he built as a teen to pass on to his grandchildren and working on vehicles for family, friends and neighbors.

Dennis’ faith was unwavering as he had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and knew where he was spending eternity. When family would say their goodbyes and say that they loved him, he would always respond with “Love you too, but Jesus loves you more.” His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

The family would like to thank the staff at Gundersen Health System and La Crosse River Valley VA for their exemplary care that allowed him to live 6 wonderful years after his cancer diagnosis. Also, many thanks to St. Croix Hospice for making it possible for him to be home with his family in his last days. It was Dennis’ wish to not have a formal memorial service, so we will have a Celebration of Life in honor of Dennis on Saturday, September 7th, 11am at the Herold family farm in Stoddard. There will be a picnic lunch and we look forward to friends, family & neighbors joining us in sharing their memories of Dennis. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate monetary donations to offset the cost of cremation & burial. The Seland Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.