William Harold Herbst

ESCANABA — William “Bill” Harold Herbst of Escanaba, MI, age 92, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home and under the care of OSF Hospice and V.A. Medical Services in Iron Mountain.

Bill was born on July 6, 1933, to Earl and Marie (Sturdivant) Herbst in Wells Township, MI. He was raised in the area and attended a one-room schoolhouse until junior high. Bill graduated from the Escanaba Area High School in 1952, and moved to Loves Park, IL, where he took employment in a machine shop.

After a year, Bill retuned home, and joined the United States Air Force, proudly serving his flag and country during the Korean War. His last tour of duty was at McClellan Air Force Base in California, served as an airplane mechanic, and was eventually promoted to crew chief and Airman First Class. During his enlistment, Bill married the love of his life, Marvella Juhl, on March 1, 1956, in Sacramento, CA.

Upon his honorable discharge, Bill and Marvella moved to Milwaukee where he received his tool and die education and worked for Mumper Machine Co. for 44 years until his retirement until they moved to Escanaba in 2000.

It could be said that he was a faithful servant to his Lord and a dedicated member of Salem Lutheran Evangelical Church of Escanaba.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Marvella; children, William “Bill” (Alice) Herbst, Cindy (David) Michalski, Alan (Heidi) Herbst, Connie (Larry) Danley, Richard (Holly) Herbst, and Donna (Joel) Kammuella; 19 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren;1 great-great grandchild; brother Gordon Herbst; sisters Alice (Howard) Watchke, Mary Raeder, and Betty Watchorn; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Davey (Nancy) Juhl, Dale (Sue) Juhl, Wayne Juhl, Kathleen Christianson, Janet Hall, and Mary (Chris) Rigoubot

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bob, Louis, and Ray Herbst; sister Barbara Dahlgren; and grandson Peter Michalski.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 24, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 S. 30th Street, Escanaba, MI. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Paul Doletzky officiating. Lunch will be served after the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will take place at West Ford River Cemetery. The funeral service will be live streamed and can be viewed at www.salemescanaba.org or Salem’s Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in the memory of Bill Herbst to Salem Lutheran Church. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Herbst family and online condolences may be sent to the family to www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.