Willis Walter Herald, son of William Henry and Mary Melinda (Littleghost) Herald was born on Saturday, August 9, 1958, in Devils Lake, ND.

He grew up on the Spirit Lake Nation, attended school at Little Flower Mission School in St. Michael and made his home at the time of his passing in Fort Totten. He would call the Spirit Lake Nation his home his entire life.

In Willis’s younger years he enjoyed playing basketball and riding horses. Unfortunately, a fall from a horse at a youthful age left Willis with several disabilities making it difficult to work these last years. When able to work, he worked for the Spirit Lake Tribe with the NYC program.

Willis was united in marriage to Danielle “Julie Ann” Cavanaugh on April 3, 1987, and made their home in Fort Totten. Julie Ann passed away on February 26, 2019.

Willis always enjoyed the outdoors and the beauty of nature. He loved to walk or ride around St. Michael and Ski Jump Road where he knew what berries were edible, what to stay away from and good trails for exercise and scenery.

Willis met Julia Smith Alberts, and they welcomed a daughter Lisa Ann into their lives. Willis felt so blessed to have so many grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins who cared about him and his well-being.

Willis loved playing cards, dice, watching Game Shows and Ice Road Truckers on TV. He treasured visits with his dear family and friends in person or by phone call. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

A quiet man, who was held close by a big family and several dear friends who cared for him more than he ever knew.

Willis is survived by his loving family. His daughter Lisa Ann Herald, Fargo; grandchildren Alisha LaVallie, Tristen Alberts, Tyler Ross; eleven great grandchildren Jerzery, Jesse, Marette, Nico, Chase, Wambdi, Jaymison, Kenneth, Ezra, Harley and Asa; siblings James “Jumbo” Thompson II, Donovan Kahnapace, Ronda Herald McKay, Deborah Herald, and Delbert Herald; step-mother Lila Vannett; aunt Helena Littleghost; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended grand and great grand relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Julie Ann, brothers Daniel Herald Sr., Virgil Herald, Vincent Herald and Darren Herald in infancy, sisters Roxanne Herald, April Herald, Celestine Herald, Theresa “Trudy” Herald, Jeanette Herald, Patsy Herald, Margie Herald Kirk, grandparents Sarah (Pasang) and Emile Herald and Agnes and James Littleghost, brother-in-law Rodney McKay, grandchildren Candace Herald and Kimberly Herald.

Casket Bearers for Willis will be James Thompson III, Donovan Kahnapace, Rashawn Thompson, Ronda McKay, Jason Azure, Lila Vannett, Alisha LaVallie.

Honorary Bearers will be all of Willis’s dear friends and family.