Herbert W. Roeser

1945 - 2024

Herbert W. Roeser

March 2, 1945 – January 28, 2024

Herbert W. Roeser, 78, lifelong resident of Grand Island, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 with his family by his side.

Gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Trinity United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary. Pastor Kelly Karges will officiate. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Army and the United Veteran's Honor Guard.

All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Herbert and LaNita Roeser Scholarship funded through the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation or the Chorus of the Plains Music Scholarship.

Herb was born on March 2, 1945 in Grand Island, son of Herbert V. and Emelie (Wegner) Roeser. He graduated from Grand Island Senior High School (GISH) in 1963 and then attended Kearney State College where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Herb enlisted in the Army National Guard and proudly served his country in Vietnam.

Herb married LaNita Studnicka on November 26, 1971, and they built an amazing life in Grand Island with their four children. Herb was proud of his family, his history, and his community. If you ever talked with him, you undoubtedly heard stories about his kids and grandkids, his extended family, or his connection to the Stolley family and history of Grand Island.

Herb was a contractor and craftsman; he owned and operated Herb's Weatherproof Products where he built and installed home weatherproofing products like gutters and windows. He taught people his craft, was known for being a mentor and giving jobs and second chances to those down on their luck. He brought all his kids to the jobsite or office over years where he not only taught them about construction but hard work. Although technically retired, he never really stopped working because he was always available to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked.

Herb was social and could start a conversation with anyone, but more importantly he listened. He used these skills as a Stephen Minister for Trinity United Methodist Church, where he was an active and involved member for 73 years. He participated in many mission trips across the United States and Mexico as part of the Church-something he was passionate about. And every Tuesday morning for over 30 years, he attended a breakfast club meeting with other Grand Island businessmen.

Herb always enjoyed music-he could play the piano, saxophone and clarinet. In retirement, he also developed a love for barbershop singing. He was a member of three barbershop groups: the Conestoga Chorus, the Chorus of the Plains, and the 1733 Chorus.

Herb was an outdoorsman and conservationist-he enjoyed watching wildlife, fishing, and planting trees. He could fix anything. He enjoyed a project car and brainstorming electronic projects with his brother. He always had the right tool and spare parts, no matter what the job. He was an avid fan and follower, always making time to see his kids' activities and more recently his grandkids' activities and sports. He enjoyed traveling to California to see his cousins. Herb was compassionate, empathetic, and patient. He never raised his voice. He was stubborn. He loved his family fiercely.

In addition to Trinity United Methodist Church and three barbershop groups, Herb was also a member of the Hall County Historical Society, the Saddle Club, and the GISH class of 1963 social group.

Herb is survived by his wife, LaNita of Grand Island; children, Gretchen (Steven) Twohig of Omaha, Sara (Toby) English of Shawnee, KS, Richard of Omaha, and Adam (Mari Keyser) of Shawnee, KS; six grandchildren: Beau and Cole Twohig, Anna and Emelie English, Adrian and Elliott Roeser; brother, Fred (Kaila) Roeser of Grand Island; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, John; and many special aunts, uncles, and cousins.