Herb J. Garman

Herbert Joseph Garman, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great- Grandfather, was born November 7th, 1937 in Sykeston, ND, to parents, Joe and Louise. Herb was the oldest of 4 children. He finished school after 8th grade where he went straight to working on the farm with his dad while also picking up other odd jobs for local farmers. He then left North Dakota and went to Valier. He spent two weeks sleeping in his car by the old gas station while looking for work. A local farmer saw him there and asked him if he wanted to work for him. He was there for 7 years working on that farm. During this time, he met the love of his life, Edna Bowman. At the ages of 20 and 16 Herb and Edna married on November 30th, 1957.  They lived in many places throughout their life together while he was working construction on the road. These places included Libby, Drummond, Cascade, Malta, and finally settling in Conrad in 1971 with their two boys, Jeff and Kurt. He worked at a local concrete company and then road construction until the fall of 1986 when he decided to work for himself and start Garman Construction. Two years later, his older son Jeff joined him in the business, where he continued to work the rest of his life.

Herb loved to drink his coffee and canned Busch Light while talking with his family and friends. He had the biggest heart and would help anyone who needed it. He had a sweet tooth like no other and loved his Hostess goodies, especially Zingers Ho Ho’s, and Suzie Q’s. He also enjoyed Circus Peanuts, Orange Slices, and butter on everything. He also loved going down to Yuma for the winter with family and friends where so many memories were made. He even took up golfing!  He was the best father and grandfather and loved his family more than anything and couldn’t get enough of his great grandkids. He thrived when operating equipment and that showed in his construction work across the community for 34 years. His family was 100% positive he could operate his backhoe in his sleep and did so most of the time.  Herb was full of the funniest stories and told them with such humor.  He definitely lived his life to the fullest.

Herb passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 1st, at his home in Conrad. He was 83. He will be missed more than we can ever express.

Herb is reunited in Heaven with parents, Joe and Louise Garman; wife, Edna Garman; and brother, Dick Garman.  He is survived by brother, Gary Garman; sister, Della Benton; sons, Jeff and Kurt (Shannon) Garman; grandchildren, Samantha (Nick) Alspaw, Elli (Kesler) Martin and Logan (Kylee) Garman; great-grandchildren, Renley and Brekin; many cousins and nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 4, from 5-7pm at Pondera/Asper Funeral Home. Rosary/Vigil Services will follow visitation at 7pm at funeral home.

Funeral Mass will be Friday, February 5, at 1pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church.

All services open to the public with social distancing protocol enforced.