Joseph "Joe" Herges

Joseph C. “Joe” Herges, age 65 of Melrose, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A private family graveside service will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date and published on the website once the date and time have been confirmed.

Joseph Clarence Herges was born October 9, 1960 in Melrose, Minnesota to Eugene “Red” and Alma (Brickweg) Herges. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1980 and furthered his education at St. Cloud Technical College and at St. Cloud State University where he earned his degree in mechanical design and drafting. Joe began his career working at Brown Minneapolis Tank Company. After five years there, Joe returned to the Big Birch Lake area working at various companies. He retired from Spanier Metal Works in Paynesville in 2025 where he took pride in helping the small business grow. Joe enjoyed spending time at Big Birch Lake, fishing, loved his dogs, and enjoyed making maple syrup with his brother, Tubby.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters, Linda (Wayne) Engstrand of Chandler, Arizona, Randy (Suzy) Herges of Waconia, Ronald (Dee) Herges of Battle Creek, Michigan, Steve (Jeanette) Herges of Pelham, Alabama, brother-in-law, Paul Schneider of Perham, and Ann (Brad Klatt) Tschida of Melrose; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Schneider on November 28, 2015; and brother, Richard “Tubby” Herges on May 10, 2022.