Raymond H. Herbel

Raymond H. Herbel, 88, of Scottsbluff, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2015 at his home. His funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel with Reverend Jeff Fiet officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Friday at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Ray’s name to the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering. Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Raymond was born February 27, 1927 in Lincolnville, Kansas to David and Mollie (Schwemmer) Herbel. He started school in Marion County Kansas Public School. The family relocated to Scotts Bluff County Nebraska in 1938. He attended Fairview District #50 and Victory Hill rural schools. The family moved to Scottsbluff where he attended Scottsbluff Public Schools.

In February of 1949 Ray married Caroline Meier and three children were born to this marriage. The couple started farming in the Gering Valley area. In 1962 Ray purchased land east of Gering. In 1964 the family moved onto their land where he farmed and fed cattle. He was a real estate broker and a licensed real estate appraiser. He served on the Board of Directors of the Central Irrigation District, was a member of the Nebraska Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers, and a member of the Legacy of the Plains Museum.

In 1974 Ray married Ann Tressler and in 1975 they moved to Keith County where they continued to farm and feed cattle at Ogallala. He was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ogallala, member of the Keith County Historical Society, the Keith County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and delivered Meals On Wheels.

After retiring in 1992, Ray and Ann vacationed several winters in Arizona. He enjoyed watching the sky divers at Eloy. Since 2005 they have made their home in Scottsbluff.

Raymond is survived by his wife Ann of Scottsbluff; son Alvin (Lois) Herbel of Gering; daughters Cynthia (Rick) Bodeman of Gering and Sandra Hoefer (Bill Donahoe) of O’Neil, NE; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother David (Betty) Herbel of Wichita Falls, TX; sister Esther Bastron of Scottsbluff; sister-in-law Kay Tressler; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, and six sisters.