Vincent Herring of Rochester, MN, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 14, 2013 at his home on his 70 ^th birthday.

Vince was born February 14, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan.  He spent his childhood in New York, Germany and Massachusetts.  Vince met his wife Mary (Kohn) of Hayfield, MN in 1968 in Worcester, MA when he hosted a swimmer's banquet at the restaurant Mary had opened.  Soon after their engagement and marriage, they relocated to Minnesota.

Survivors include Mary, his wife of 44 years and three children.  Kristen (Matt) Asleson of Fountain, MN, and children; Courtney (24), Lindsey (21), Haley (14), Will (8), and Sam (2).  Kendra (Aaron) Marable and their daughter, Edith (2), of Lawrence, KS.  Kyle Herring and his son Jasper (2) and Jasper's mother Crystal Merkel of Rochester, MN.  He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Herring of Arlington, VA.

Vince was preceded in death by his mother Virginia Violet Erickson, his father, Robert Herring, his brothers Billy and Bobby Herring, and his daughter Sarah Margaret.

With a background in geology and a Master's in Education, Vince spent the early years of his career in MN teaching elementary grades and coaching swimming.   He was also a naturalist for 6 years at Quarry Hill Nature Center.  After purchasing a radial arm saw on clearance at Sears, he began framing the needlework Mary created; thus Herring Enterprises was born.  This small business grew from a part-time hobby to a full-time career the couple shared.  Herring Art & Frame thrived in Rochester, MN for 34 years.

Vince was an avid swimmer the past couple decades.  He set numerous records, competing all over the world, swimming open water long distance events.  The Herrings retired 7 years ago, giving Vince time to pursue his hobbies of woodworking, gardening, swimming, bird watching, and traveling. Vince was a very active member of Resurrection church. Vince and Mary's strong faith inspired many pilgrimages to holy sites all over the world.

Vince enjoyed helping to host many gatherings and meals with family and friends.  His gift for hospitality and telling jokes was enjoyed by many. His appetite for good food, laughter and time spent with his grandchildren was always a highlight.

His zest for life inspired the many lives he touched.  He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 17 ^th at the Resurrection Catholic Church from 4 pm – 8 pm and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.  The Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, February 18 ^th , at the Resurrection Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Lourdes High School and Resurrection Catholic Church Endowment Fund.

On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com