On Sept. 17, 2024, surrounded by his family, we lost a dedicated father and husband, Pete Herges.
Pete was born in Melrose Minnesota, Aug. 25, 1930, to Peter Herges and Alvina (Meyer) Herges. He was a family man, a leader of athletics and whole-heartedly committed to the community of Albany.
Pete graduated with a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville and received a master’s degree from St. Cloud State University. He served in the Army from 1952 to 1954, during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a sergeant.
While Pete always had a huge passion for sports, the true love of his life was his wife of 70 years, Joan. Pete and Joan Botz were married in 1954 in Freeport. He loved spending time at the Botz cabin on King’s Lake with his family and extended family members. He always looked forward to the annual family Fourth of July celebration at the lake, which included up to 100 family members. A good meal and a cold beer while sitting on the deck overlooking the lake was one of his greatest joys during the summer. Spending any day on golf courses in Minnesota, Arizona, California or anywhere he could get in 9 or 18 holes was a passion he enjoyed year after year. A good day for Pete was beating any of his brothers-in-law on the course. Pete successfully garnered five hole-in-ones over the years at various courses. He also enjoyed fishing, coffee with his buddies and attending athletic events at Albany Area High School and St. John’s University. Pete and Joan wintered in Arizona (snow birds) for over 30 years.
He was the proud father of four children, Jean, Julie (Jim), Jon and Jeff (Deanna); and grandfather of his six precious grandchildren, Kelsey (Taylor), Gina (Zach), Chad (Gianna), Curtis, Andrew (Rae) and Taylor. In addition, he has six great-grandchildren, Piper, Lilly, Otto, Logan, Colin and Zoey. Pete also leaves behind his beloved brother, Tom Herges.
As a teacher, coach and athletic director at Albany Area High School from 1954-1993, he contributed significantly to the success of teams and individuals. He started as a teacher and coach in 1954 and then became athletic director shortly thereafter. He retired with 28 years of coaching and 34 years as an athletic director. Herges guided the athletic programs through one success after another. He coached football for 27 years, compiling a 168-51 record. His teams were conference champions 13 times and interconference champions three times. Pete coached his teams about the importance of preparation, discipline and giving 100% in everything they did both on and off the field. His football mentors included Omer Sieben, of Melrose, and John Gagliardi, of St. John’s University. Albany Area Schools ceremoniously designated the athletic field campus as Herges Stadium in 2020.
Pete served as president of district and regional coaches organizations and was published in the “Coaching Clinic” magazine in both sports. He was inducted to the Albany High School Hall of Fame in 1996. He was named Regional Football Coach of the Year, District Football Coach of the Year (three times), State Golf Coach of the Year, National District Six Golf Coach of the Year and Honorary Coach for the Minnesota High School North All-Star Football team in 2012. Pete was inducted into the Minnesota State Golf Coaches Hall of Fame, the Minnesota State Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Minnesota State Athletic Directors Hall of Fame. Most notably, he will be remembered for his passion of teaching golf to all ages of the community. Thus he was, and still is, referred to as “Coach.”
Pete was also involved in community activities. He served on the board for the Albany Golf Club, was a member of the Albany American Legion Club for over 60 years and served many years on the District Legislative Assembly.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Peter Herges, Alvina (Meyer) Herges, sister Dolores (Herges) Schmidt, brother-in-law, George Schmidt, sister LaRue (Herges) Kociemba, brother-in-law Stan Kociemba, sister-in-law Peg Herges, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Doris (Botz) Baltes and Dan Baltes and brother-in-law Dwight Kirscht.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery with military honors by Albany American Legion Post 482. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at the church. Post church services, a celebration of life reception will follow at Shady’s Hometown Tavern and Event Center in Albany.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial contributions. Memorials will be gifted to Holy Family School in Albany and Albany Area Schools athletics.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
