Herbert "Herb" Britz, 94-year-old resident of Buckman, passed away April 18, 2019 at the Pierz Villa. A celebration of Herb's life will be at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Buckman at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, followed by burial in the parish cemetery. Military rites will be performed by the Rich Prairie American Legion Post 341. Visitation will be at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Home in Pierz on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. prior to the church service on Tuesday at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Buckman. Herb is survived by Esther, his loving wife of 67 years; daughter Cindy (Bob) Lochner of Buckman; sons Ron (Gail) of Blaine, John (Carmen) of rural Buckman, Arlin of Brainerd, and Wayne (Ann) of Sauk Rapids. A son Jimmy preceded him in death in 1971, the result of a car accident. Other survivors include a sister, Lavina (Percy) Dubbin of Crosslake, brother Harvey (Mary Lou) of Buckman, 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Herb was born in Little Rock, Minnesota on July 29, 1924 to John and Anna (Schmitt) Britz, partners in the Britz & Kowitz general store/trucking company. He was the third of seven children in the family that included four boys and three girls. His early education was at a country schoolhouse east of Little Rock, and he graduated from Little Falls High School in 1942. After spending two years in the Army near the end of WWII, Herb returned home, and in April 1947, founded the Britz Market general store and meat locker plant with his dad in Buckman. He married Esther Jamma of rural Pierz at St. Joseph's Church in Pierz on June 26, 1951, and together raised six children. Several years after a December 1977 fire that destroyed the original Britz Market (on land currently occupied by Buckman Hardware), Herb sold his new store, and along with son John, started Britz Store Equipment. He eventually sold his share to son Wayne, and continued to work in the business until retiring in his early 80's. Herb was a long-time member of the Pierz American Legion Post 341 and St. Michael's Knights of Columbus. Herb built the first altar that faced the congregation and the grotto out front. He chaired many church bazaars over the years. In his younger years, he spent his free time on woodworking projects, small construction jobs, and for 15 years delivered the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune to residents of rural Pierz, Buckman, Morrill and Ramey. In retirement, he enjoyed spending summers with his neighbors and extended family at the Lake Edward cabin north of Brainerd where he finally relaxed with a fishing pole. Herb treasured his time with his family and worked tirelessly to support them. He loved his John Deere Gator and his cars and trucks he owned over the years.