Herbert F. "Herbie" Siltala

Herbert F. “Herbie” Siltala, a gentle soul, age 59, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016 at his home south of Park Rapids. Herbie was born on June 11, 1956 in Anchorage AK to Herbert and Alice (Stephen) Siltala, Sr.  His family made their home in Anchorage until he was eight years old when his family moved to Park Rapids and purchased the Weigelwood Resort on Two Inlets Lake.  As a boy Herbie made many wonderful memories helping his dad work on the resort providing maintenance for the resort, cleaning fish and taking guests out on the water or fishing.  At the age of seventeen, his adventurous spirit took him traveling and working across Texas, Washington State, South Dakota and Illinois until returning to Minnesota in 2003.  In 2005 Herbie met a former high school classmate, Pam Nunn.  The two fell deeply in love and their lives were made complete by being married on December 15, 2006 at the home of Pam’s sister, Pat Nevala.  Herbie worked as a carpenter/handyman for a number of years and for the past six years was employed at the potato plant.  Herbie was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to fish, hunt and camp.  He looked forward to every spring when he would grow a large vegetable garden.  Herbie also loved to cook and grill for his family and friends.  He loved to teach gardening and other practical practices to his grandchildren who he loved dearly.  He was very proud of his son, Branden.  Above all, Herbie devoted his life to his best friend, soulmate and wife, Pamela. Herbie will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Pamela; his son, Branden (Jessica) Wick of Illinois; his girls: Nikki Rohwer of Lake George, Heiki (Brian) Gross of Nevis, Shalane (Drew) Sablan of Saipan; his four grandchildren: Cameron, Cora and Cade Gross and Keeva Sablan; two sisters: Patty Huckleberry of Mpls and Suzanne Siltala-Wirtz of St. Cloud; as well as nieces, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one niece, Debbie and one nephew, Russ. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, April 21, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with Pastor James Neubauer and Pastor Tim Heinecke officiating.  The organist will be Cheryl Hilgemann.  Congregational hymns will be “Amazing Grace”, “How Great Thou Art” and “I Know My Redeemer Lives”.  Casket bearers will be Brandon Wick, Virgil Eskola, Brian Luther, Brian Gross, Cameron Gross, Grant Nunn, Melissa Wirtz and Joanne Huckleberry.  Honorary casket bearers will be Cassie Robbins, Jessica Wick and grandchildren: Cora Gross, Cade Gross and Keeva Sablan.  Visitation will be held 5 to 8 PM Wednesday April 20, 2016 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and beginning one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  Interment will be made at Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN.