Kathleen Faye Hertz

Funeral Mass for Kathleen Hertz, 74, of Glen Ullin, will be 10:30 a.m. CT Friday, April 17, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Glen Ullin, with Father Gary Benz celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joe's Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Glen Ullin, with a Rosary and Vigil service taking place at 6:00 p.m.

Kathleen "Kathy" Faye Hertz, age 74, passed away peacefully at Sanford Hospital with her husband and three children by her side.

Kathy was born Kathleen Faye Lacher on October 1, 1951, in Eureka, South Dakota, to Frank A. and Frances (Hoffman) Lacher. She was raised on the family farm near Venturia, North Dakota, and attended school in Zeeland, graduating in 1969. Following high school, Kathy pursued her passion for cosmetology at Jack's Cosmetology School in Bismarck and went on to work at Regis Salon, maintaining her Master Cosmetologist license throughout her life.

While attending a Hereford Cattle Tour, Kathy met the love of her life, Melvin Hertz. The two were united in marriage on September 18, 1976, in Zeeland, North Dakota.

Kathy and Mel made their home on the Hertz family homestead southeast of Glen Ullin, where they were also blessed to raise their three children. Together, they ran a dairy operation, raised beef cattle and grew small grains. Kathy was a true farm wife through and through, and the milk barn was the setting for countless memories, laughter, and stories. She had a special place in her heart for the baby calves.

Kathy found joy in baking and cooking, and was especially known for her caramel rolls. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She served her church as a Eucharistic Minister, greeter, and religious education teacher. She was an active member of St. Joseph's Christian Mothers, North Dakota CattleWomen, the Glen Ullin Saddle Club, Glen Ullin Area Dollars for Scholars, and supported her husband for many years with the Knights of Columbus Council 4004. In 1998, Kathy and Melvin were honored as the Knights of Columbus North Dakota State Family of the Year.

Kathy deeply valued her friendships, especially those in her Birthday Club, and she treasured time spent with her family above all else. She was incredibly proud of her children and found her greatest joy in her grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Kathy faced significant health challenges, including two kidney transplants and open-heart surgery. She met each trial with strength, grace and faith. She often reminded herself that others had it worse and would simply say, "I'm fine." Her resilience and trust in God were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Melvin; her children, Heather (Shawn) Dziuk of Glen Ullin, Melissa (Tyler) Schmautz of Bismarck, and Blayne (Sara) Hertz of Bismarck; and her cherished grandchildren, Kathryn, Kevin, Dawson, Mason, Esley, Adalyn, and Rhett. She is also survived by her brother, Harley (Sheila) Lacher of Bismarck; her sister-in-law, Elsie Lacher of Zeeland; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Frances Lacher, and her brother, Wayne Lacher.

Kathy will be remembered for her kind heart, strong faith, hardworking spirit, and the deep love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Sanford Health staff for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Kathy over the years. We are also deeply thankful to our family and friends for their many prayers, love, and support throughout her journey.