Oliver Herrick

Oliver Arthur Herrick, age 93, of Austin, died Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Sacred Heart Care Center. Oliver was born April 24, 1917 to Frank and Annie (Veling) Herrick in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The family moved to Austin in 1928. Oliver graduated from Austin High School in 1935. He continued his studies for one year in a post graduation program. He worked as a mail boy in the Hormel Office for a short time and then began his 42 1/2 year career with the U.S. Postal Department. Oliver carried mail for 19 years, became a supervisor and then in 1961 he was appointed Postmaster, retiring from that position in 1979. While serving in this position Oliver was involved in a program to train new postmasters in southeast Minnesota and he helped develop the first training program in the Minneapolis region for postal supervisors. Oliver married Helen Hoffstater on November 19, 1938. They had two sons, James V. Herrick and Vincent J. Herrick. Oliver served in the U.S. Air Force from 1944 to 1946. Oliver and Helen have four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He loved his family and was devoted to all of them. Oliver was a faithful member of St. Augustine's Catholic Church. He enjoyed sports both as a spectator and as a participant. He played baseball while in high school and also played legion baseball. Oliver loved golf and continued to play into his 80's. He was an avid reader, enjoyed cards, music, traveling and always enjoyed people. Oliver was active in the community and served as a trustee on the St. Olaf Hospital Board. He is survived by his wife of almost 72 years, Helen; son, James V. Herrick and Mary; daughter-in-law, Judy Herrick Horton; grandchildren, James C. Herrick, Thomas and (Sadie) Herrick, Anne and (Steve) Haes, Kimberly Herrick; great grandchildren, Katelyn, Emily, Thomas James and Madison; sister-in-law, Jane Herrick; nieces and nephews. Oliver is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Annie Herrick; son, Vincent; grandson, John Vincent; brothers, Lester Herrick and Franklin Herrick; sister, Marion Joy. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10:00 am on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Friends may call from 4-7 pm on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family prefers memorials to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, St. Augustine Catholic Church, Austin Medical Center Foundation or donor's choice.

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