Delmer L. (Del) Herfel, age 70, passed away at home in Ferryville on Sunday, May 27, 2012 surrounded by his family. 

Del was born on February 27, 1942 to Stanley L. and Leona M. (Pernot) Herfel in Madison.  He married Carol M. Tresch on October 29, 1979 and together, they realized Del’s lifelong dream of owning and operating a successful dairy farm near Soldiers Grove.  With the work of the farm “not being enough,” Del also ran a custom round-baling business, baling hay for many neighbors and fellow farmers around the area. One of his greatest pleasures of farm life though was tilling many of the neighbors’ gardens with his signature “Rotavator,” as he enjoyed the wonderful baked goods and strawberries he often received as payment.

Del took the opportunity to sell the farm in 2000 and then work a regular 40-hour workweek with Reinhart Foods (Reyes Holdings) in La Crosse, instead of his usual 80-100 hours on the farm. By cutting back, Del and Carol were able to see many wonderful sights including Del’s favorites of Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon as well as making it to both oceans before he wasn’t able to travel anymore.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 32+ years; five sons, Michael (Laura) Herfel of Verona, Steven (fiancée Barbara Pruitt) Herfel of Spring Green, Robert (Renee) Herfel of Fort Leonard Wood, MO., Danny (Jessica) Herfel of Plain, Stanley (fiancée Megan Treptow) Herfel of Madison; four daughters, Judy (Martin) Warpinski of Prairie du Chien, Jody (fiancée Brian Yahn) Herfel of Viola, Rebecca (Steve) Yearous of Viola, and Gail Herfel of Lansing, Iowa.  He is further survived by many cherished grandchildren along with many friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 31 and again from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday June 1, with the funeral services following at 11:00 a.m., at the Kickapoo United Lutheran Church, County Road J, Soldiers Grove.