Michael Dale Herbst, 62, of Sturgeon Bay, fell asleep in the loving arms of his family and awoke in the arms of the Lord, Saturday morning, October 21, 2023 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.
He was born April 25, 1961 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of Myron Otto Herbst and JoAnne Rose (Bruckner) Herbst. Mike grew up attending Sevastopol School in Institute. He graduated from Sevastopol High School with the Pioneer class of 1979.
Mike began his career with Doerr Electric (later Emerson Motors) in Sturgeon Bay as a supervisor until 2002. It was there that he met Penny Jean Zahorik. They were married on April 5, 2002 at Bay View Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay where he remained a member.
For the next several years, Mike continued working as a supervisor in manufacturing at a number of local companies. He was most recently employed with ProProducts Inc. in Sturgeon Bay until his battle with cancer prevented him from working.
In life, Mike liked riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle around the county. He also had a passion for old cars - he restored and enjoyed a 1978 Trans-Am for many years. On a Saturday night in the summer, it wasn't uncommon to find Mike and his girls at the local dirt track races cheering on his favorite drivers. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially working around the yard, but above all, he loved his family.
Mike will be deeply missed by his wife, Penny; two daughters, Haley (Alex) Lemke of Green Bay, Hope (significant other, Eric Ott) Herbst of Sturgeon Bay, and his beloved boxer, Sadie; granddogs, Kimber and Hank; siblings, Sheldon (Julie) Herbst of Sturgeon Bay, Gail (Gordy) Haen of Carlsville, Becky (Jerry) Knapp of Brussels, and Pam (Steve) Kramer of Sturgeon Bay; mother-in-law, Jean Zahorik of Two Rivers; siblings-in-law, Phil (Jennifer) Zahorik of Fall Creek, Paul (Ellen) Zahorik of Wrangell, AK, and Peggy (Mike) Sadowski of Tisch Mills; and aunts, Sharon Kessen and Gloria Bruckner, both of Sturgeon Bay. Family meant so much to Mike, and he will also be deeply missed by 12 nieces and nephews; 19 great-nieces and great-nephews that he enjoyed watching grow up throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Noreen "Nora" Herbst; father-in-law, Alvin Zahorik; and other relatives.
Mike's life will be honored with a memorial service held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with Pastor Jeff Greathouse, of Bay View Lutheran Church, officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his parents in Zion Ev. Lutheran Cemetery in West Jacksonport.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and will continue on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Any monetary memorial contributions in Mike's name will be donated to DOOR CANcer, Inc. (P.O. Box 423, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235).
"Our family would like to express our heartfelt 'thanks' to the staff of the IMCU at St. Vincent Hospital, especially respiratory therapist, Michelle Cole and registered nurse, Lindsey Gaestel for their wonderful and compassionate care. We appreciate all the oncology staff at St. Vincent Hospital and the Door County Cancer Center who cared for Mike during his battle. A special thanks also goes out to those who visited, sent cards, text messages, and prayers during Mike's time in the hospital."
Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Michael may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.
