Maj. Tad T. Hervas

Hervas, Major Tad T. January 16, 1961 to October 6, 2009, Coon Rapids, MN. Beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, and friend died too soon as a casualty of war. Major Hervas began his military career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth when he joined the Air Force ROTC. After college he became a lieutenant in the Air Force as a navigation officer and served in the First Gulf War. When his commission ended he returned to civilian life, working at Fireside Hearth & Home. After the 9/11 attacks Tad felt compelled to join the Minnesota National Guard out of love of country. He was deployed in 2004 to Iraq as Commander of the 216th Air Defense Artillery Echo Battery. In 2009 he was redeployed as a member of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division as a military intelligence officer. A well decorated officer, Maj. Hervas received the Bronze Star medal in 2005, as well as the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, AF Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserved Medal with M Device, and Iraq Campaign Medal. Known for his smile, sense of humor, and the ability to make anyone laugh - Tad would offer the shirt off his back and expect nothing in return. He was well respected as an officer by his troops for his ability to put his rank aside and relate to all soldiers at all levels. It was his honor to serve in the military to protect his country and secure our freedoms. Tad's passions were family, friends, cooking, making others happy, sports, his dogs and standing in a river fly fishing. He always said it's never a bad day when you're on the river. Preceded in death by grandfathers, Melvin Melby, Leonard Hervas, and beloved dog, Rocky. Survived by grandmothers, Bertha Melby and Clara Hervas; loving parents, Ned and Barb Hervas; brothers, Todd (Lynn), Kurt, Cory, and Kevin and sister, Julie (Brian) Steege; nieces and nephews, Tanya (Joe) Del Vecchio, Tara, Tyler, Nick, Caleb, Brock and CJ and beloved dog, Peanut. Also survived by his fly fishing team, which included his brother, Kurt, Roger Funk, Bob Kiner and Todd Guelle. Best friends, Paul Guelle and Dan Sjoquist and his fraternal brothers (and Shelly Martin) of the UMD Dirty Dozen. Visitation Friday, Oct. 16, 4-8 pm at Washburn-McReavy (Coon Rapids Chapel, 763-767-1000), 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd. Celebration of life service Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10:00 am, with visitation prior to service from 9-10 am, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 4th Ave S., Anoka. Following a luncheon, interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to MN Military Family Foundation; Trout Unlimited; or Petfinder.com Foundation. Salute Major Hervas Salute.

Maj. Tad T. Hervas

October 15, 2009

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services