Herbert "Herb" Ernest Sigmund

Herbert "Herb" Ernest Sigmund, made his arrival in this world on May 21, 1946, the oldest of four children born to Edward Frederick Sigmund and Louise (Burkman) Sigmund-Rider of Varina and made his journey on Friday, March 3, 2023, at McGuire Veterans Hospital.

From a young age Herb learned the value of hard work. He attended Varina High School and worked for Philip Morris, USA until 1964 when he chose to enlist and serve his country in the United States Marine Corp. During his military career Herbert did two tours in Vietnam and was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for a time. Although Herb never spoke much about the time, he served in the military; He was a very proud Marine. He once said “There are no former Marines. When we die, we get our last orders and take our final post, guarding the streets of Heaven and I know there’s a watchtower waiting for me.”

Herbert came home to Richmond in 1968. In 1969, Herbert met the love of his life Eva Ann Anstead, they were married in Warren County, North Carolina on September 27 that same year. Herbert was a loving and committed husband that was known for “spoiling” his wife. In 1983 Herbert and Eva decided to move back to Varina with their two children and made it their permanent residence.

Herbert took an early retirement in 1998 from Philip Morris, USA after working 33 years for them. After retiring he enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling. Herb spent a lot of his time in Hollister, NC (his wife’s hometown) and was a member of Redman Hunting Club there. Herbert was the ‘#1 Fan’ of Varina High School Football and known as the ‘Bubblegum Man’ at Varina High School Baseball. It was very rare for him to miss a practice or a game.

Herbert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was the kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back, he never met a stranger and treated everyone with love and respect. The hole that has been left in his family will never be filled. Herbert is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eva Sigmund; their two children, H. Frederick Sigmund (Val) of Varina and Crystal Brunsch (Chad) of Chadron, NE.; 14 grandchildren, Kassity Sigmund, Afton Bryant, Cora-Ann Sigmund, Madison Sigmund, Cadell Brunsch, Chase Brunsch, Caseton Brunsch, Konnor Sigmund, Kalla Sigmund, Guillermo Sigmund, Heather Mulik, Lyndsay Mulik, Meaghan Adams (Tony) and Dylan Johnson; Four great-grandchildren, Luke and Kyleigh Underwood, Zarya Bryant and Ty Olson-Brunsch; One brother, Arthur Sigmund (Ann) of Bumpass, VA and his sister, Barbara Sigmund of Henrico; and a host of nieces, nephews and in laws that he cherished. Herbert is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother, Eddie Lee Sigmund and grandson, Levi Sigmund.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with Nelsen Funeral Home on Laburnum Ave. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 9th from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 10th at 2:00 p.m. also at Nelsen Funeral Home, burial will follow at Four Mile Creek Baptist Church in Varina with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, The Herbert & Baer Sigmund Memorial has been established. Donations can be made to K9s For Warriors. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.nelsenrichmond.com.