Herbert Allen Pabst was born on February 15, 1936, in Sheridan, WY, to Reinhold and Marjorie (Chalmers) Pabst. He passed away May 21, 2020 in North Platte, NE.
He graduated from Alliance High School in 1953. In September of 1953 he joined the United States Marine Corps. He did his basic training in San Diego, CA as well as spending some time in North Carolina before spending a little over a year in Japan. He was honorably discharged in September 1956, receiving a Good Conduct Medal as well as a National Defense Service Medal for his years of service.
On August 24, 1958 Herb married Darlene Schwaderer in Alliance, NE. They were blessed with three children, Debi, Doug and Diane. They had been married 52 years when Darlene passed away.
Herb and Darlene moved to Chadron, NE where Herb attended Chadron State College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1962. In 1971 he earned his Masters Degree from Kearney State College. After graduating from college, Herb and Darlene moved to Potter, Ne where they would spend the next 17 years. Herb accepted a position teaching Industrial Education. He taught Driver’s Ed and the first Motorcycle Driver’s Ed class in the state of Nebraska. Herb was active in the community as an EMT and a volunteer firefighter. He helped develop the first sand greens-type golf course in Potter.
In 1979, the family moved to Valentine, NE where he taught Industrial Education and drove the Activity Bus for the Valentine High School until he retired in 1998. After retirement, he became involved with the planning and zoning board. He also volunteered at the Senior Center and the Food Pantry. Herb attended meetings in Norfolk, NE for the Northeast Area on Aging. He was a volunteer at the food pantry for 14 years. In December of 2014 Herb was awarded the Hometown Hero Award from the Modern Woodmen for his service to the community.
Herb enjoyed watching Nebraska Football and Volleyball. He also enjoyed watching women’s softball and basketball. When he was still able, he enjoyed golfing. When Darlene was alive they both enjoyed attending Chadron State Football games, traveling to the black hills, and attending the plays at the Post Playhouse.
He wasn’t afraid of public opinion when he felt something was not right. He enjoyed teaching and continued to teach adult classes at night for a time after he retired. He enjoyed people, but was comfortable with his own company. He instilled his values into his children which included good work ethics and a desire to treat others fairly.
Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene, his parents Reinhold and Marjorie Pabst, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otto and Virginia Schwaderer, and one sister, Mary.
He is survived by his children, Debi (Dan) Woodworth, Doug (Della) Pabst, and Diane (Jim) Bailey. Grandchildren Stacie Fleharty, Anniyah and Tryston Bailey and one great-granddaughter Tristin Fleharty, as well as nieces and nephews Jeff Schwaderer, Janet Schwaderer, Julie (Don) Desjardin, Jon (Brooke) Schwaderer, their sons Matthew, Gideon, Flint and Oliver, and Chris (Caitlin) Obershaw, Robbie, Dave, Ken and Stephanie Hawes and one sister-in-law, Glenda Schwaderer.
A memorial service of remembrance was held Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Crossroads Assembly of God Church in Valentine. Military honors were provided by the Cherry County Veterans. Holmes Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.