, 97, of Cozad, passed away May 2, 2013, at Meadowlark Pointe in Cozad.
Herman was born on March 25, 1916, at Cozad to Walter E. and Carrie (Ware) Hart. He graduated from Cozad High School in 1934.
Herman was united in marriage to Gladys Uhlig on Jan. 1, 1936, at Overton. The couple made their home in Cozad, where they farmed with the Hart brothers, which Herman had been doing for several years prior. Herman and Gladys rented a farm northwest of Cozad where they boarded teachers, using the extra money to help with their living expenses. Herman became the proud owner of his rental ground after signing his name to a contract with Bob VanNortwick, which had been drawn up on the back of a check blank. Herman and Gladys worked hard together farming the land and raising cattle. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Gail and Shelley.
In 1951, starting with a snowman display, the Hart family home transformed into what would be a perennial Christmas spectacular. Christmas was always a special time for the Hart family, as they worked diligently for months in advance preparing their home with the trappings of the season. Eventually the couple moved to Meadowlark Pointe in Cozad, where they received wonderful care and made great friends with the other residents and staff. Gladys preceded Herman in death in February of 2008.
Herman was a long-time member of the Cozad United Methodist Church. He was proud to have been a charter member of the Cozad Elks Lodge No. 2250, and was the last living member of the Cozad High School Class of 1934.
Like any good husband, father and grandpa, Herman cherished spending time with his family. He had a way of bringing out the good in people, and seemed to brighten the lives of those he made contact with. Despite outliving many of his classmates and original friends, Herman had a way of engaging people that always left him with new ones.
In addition to his wife, Herman was preceded in death by his parents; his six brothers, Elmer, James, Jesse, Walter, Miles and Lane; and a sister, Helen Wilkens.
Survivors include his two daughters, Gail (Bob) Starr, of Lincoln, and Shelley (Steve) Morris, of Aurora, Colo.; five grandchildren, Kim (Monte) Huggett, of Overland Park, Kan., Bart (Monica) Starr, of Kansas City, Mo., Jennifer (Darin) Mackender, of Westminster, Colo., Chad (Ramona) Morris, of Aurora, Colo., and Brandon (Marie) Morris, of Aurora, Colo.; eight great-grandchildren, Connor and Emma Huggett, Allyson and Ethan Mackender, Brooke and Brandee Morris, and Iris Starr and Graham Starr; along with many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 6, at the Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. Burial will be at the Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m., Sunday, May 5, at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad, which is in charge of arrangements.