Harriet Ellen Herigstad, 89, Minot, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2009 at Trinity Nursing Home, Minot.

Harriet was born June 23, 1919 in Kenmare, ND to Dr. Ralph and Janette (Newton) Shigley. She was raised and educated in Kenmare until the family relocated to Minot in her junior year, moving next door to the young man who would later become her husband.

Harriet graduated from Minot High School in 1937. She attended Minot State Teachers College and graduated from North Dakota State University in 1941 with a degree in English/Journalism. Following her education, she was employed at Northwest Clinic.

Harriet married Capt. Roger O. Herigstad on November 4, 1942 in Minot. They resided at various military bases in the U.S. before returning to Minot, where they raised their family and were involved in many civic organizations.

Harriet was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school, co-chaired church bazaars, and sang in the choir for many years. She loved to sing, and once sang with Peggy Lee. She joined the Sweet Adeline's, where she also performed in a quartet named "The Honey Huggers."

Harriet was a longtime member of P.E.O., belonging first to Chapter G, and later as a charter member of Chapter AV. She was active in the Minot Chamber of Commerce, particularly the Military Affairs Committee, and then served as the Chamber's first woman President.

Harriet was a Red Cross volunteer, a member of the community concert association, a supporter of the Arts (and Artfest) and Housing chairman for the Hostfest. She also belonged to a group called "Gerties" who gathered in friendship for over 50 years.

Harriet liked sports (especially golf!) and once scored a hole-in-one at the Minot Country Club. Her hobbies included writing poetry for special occasions, reading, crafting, and entertaining. She loved "Jeopardy" , crossword puzzles, and word games, and excelled at them all. She was a creative cook, and would often treat the family to "Adventures in Eating!"

Her favorite place in the world (besides Kenmare and Minot) was Marco Island, Fla., where she and Roger spent many winters enjoying friends, beaches, and the beautiful surroundings.

Harriet was a natural leader with wonderful ideas. She could always find a way to "do things better" and had a gift for organization. In 1986, she received the Golden Award from Minot State University for outstanding service to MSU and the community.

Her greatest talent, however, was being a vibrant wife to Roger for over 60 years, and a loving, supportive mother to her children and "Nan" to her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.

Her loving family includes: Children: Susan (James) Manning, Minot, Jim (Karen) Herigstad, Minot, and Kathy (Robert) Kuntz, Helena, MT; Twelve Grandchildren: Steven and David Wiley, Lisa Gallagher, Rachel Makin, Omon Herigstad, Elisabeth Carter, Seth Herigstad, Spencer Klein, Amie Aguallo, and Amber, Jared, and Jacob Kuntz; Nineteen Great-Grandchildren; Sister: Marian Rowland, Ft. Collins, CO; sisters in-law: Jean Pringle and Lucile Broyles, both of Minot; brother-in-law: Mark Purdy, Minot; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, Roger, and brother, James Shigley.

Funeral service: Monday, April 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: At the request of the family, there will be no reviewal, however, friends may sign a memorial register book on Sunday, April 19, 2009 from Noon to 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.