Frederic Darrel Hursman passed away peacefully November 30, 2021 at Bethany Homes after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Frederic was born on April 10, 1933 to Willis and Lydia (Clasen) Hursman on the farm in Brocket, ND. He was the middle of five siblings. He attended school in Newbre through the 8th grade then went to high school in Devils Lake, ND. He joined the Army after a year of college. After leaving the Army he went on to graduate from NDSU with an Electrical Engineering degree. While in college he met a nursing student, Orel Olson and after a whirlwind courtship, they were engaged seven weeks later. They were happily married for 62 years. He worked for Honeywell for most of his career in Florida and Minnesota. He was actually a rocket scientist.

So those are the facts, but how do you tell about a life so well lived and a man so well loved in such a short space.

After retirement, Fred and Orel moved to Vergas, MN where he built their log home. He loved spending time with family, walking through the woods and sitting on the front porch watching birds and chipmunks.

The man was amazing! He could fix anything! He loved woodworking and he made furniture and many toys for the grandkids.

One of his best traits was generosity. He donated lots of his woodworking to many organizations, and never wanted recognition. He would help his kids and neighbors with any projects at the drop of a hat and often without having to be asked.

Cooking breakfast and baking treats were excellent skills of his. Omelets, fudge, pies, and chocolate chip cookies were some of his specialties, to the detriment of his family and friend’s waistlines.

Some of his favorite activities included reading, traveling, camping, hiking, gardening, and hunting. Camping trips with his wife and grandson each summer were some of the highlights. He especially loved following the grandkids activities.

Playing cards with family was one of his favorite things, the only way you won a game was if he let you win. He was an excellent card player that was nearly impossible to beat.

His family will dearly miss his humor and love.

He is survived by his children, Cindi (Mitchell) Godbout, Arlen (Sue) Hursman, Tammy Hursman and Willis (Lisa) Hursman; grandchildren, Brandon (Crisha) Godbout and Cory Hursman; and great grandchild, Payton Godbout, brother, Roy (Bev) Hursman; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Orel Jean; infant son, Dougie; brothers, Howard and Warren; and a sister, Marilyn.

Visitation: Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 from 5 to 6 PM with a prayer service at 6 PM at Martin’s Lutheran Church, Casselton.

Funeral: Saturday, Dec. 4 at 1 PM at Martin’s Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Casselton Cemetery.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com