USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Dec. 27, 2021—Former Board of Directors member David Herr passed away on Dec. 22, 2021 after succumbing to Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). He served on the United States Fencing Association (USFA) board from 2008 to 2012 and the audit and strategic planning committees; he was also active in organization bylaws reviews.

Mr. Herr “Consistently contributed ideas and suggestions to improve the way the Board functioned,” said former USFA President Kalle Weeks. “[He] provided thoughtful advice regarding board actions, including those relating to delicate and potentially difficult legal matters, and was a welcoming and gracious host when USFA tournaments were held in Minneapolis/St. Paul.”

Born in 1950 and a graduate of William Mitchell College of Law in 1978, Mr. Herr was a distinguished attorney who practiced law in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region for 43 years and was “one of the most highly regarded appellate lawyers and complex case litigators in Minnesota,” according to the obituary posted by his law firm, Maslon LLP. He was named a 2021 “Attorney of the Year for Outstanding Service to the Profession” by Minnesota Lawyer.

On Dec. 3, 2021, Mayor Melvin Carter proclaimed that date as “David F. Herr Day” in St. Paul, and a lifetime Achievement Celebration was held in his honor. A video tribute to him may be viewed here.

Throughout his life, Mr. Herr contributed his time and talents to the community, including fencing. He co-founded the Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society, chaired the United Hospital Foundation board and served on the board of directors of the Innocence Project of Minnesota.

He was “…an excellent example of what an independent director can contribute, and a doting grandfather of a youth fencer and a truly nice man,” said USA Fencing Board member Donald Alperstein.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay.