SPARTA - Herbert R. Selbrede, age 100, of Sparta, WI, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at the Serenity House in Tomah, Wisconsin. He was born March 25, 1922, to Ernest and Elnor (Betts) Selbrede in Leon, Wisconsin. Herb was a 1939 graduate of Sparta High School. He served in the United States Army during WWII from 1945-1946.
In 1947, he met his future wife, Berniece Hericks at the gas station in Leon. They were united in marriage on January 28, 1950, at St. Mary’s Ridge. Herb was a proud life-long farmer in Leon Valley. Herb served on many boards and committees throughout his life. He was elected to the Board of Wisconsin Cooperative Creamery in 1958, the youngest elected member (age 36). Herb became Chairman of the Board of Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative from 1974-1990, Dairy Director of Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, Madison from 1974-1989, Director of Land O’ Lakes Inc., Minneapolis, MN from 1975-1988, Director of National Milk Producers Federation, Washington DC from 1974-1989, a past member of U.S. Representative Steve Gunderson’s dairy advisory committee and past member of the U.S. Senator Bob Kasten’s dairy advisory committee. Herb was also active in the Leon community serving as town assessor, board member and participating with other Leon community members to start the Leon Live Wires 4-H club. He served on the Sparta school board, was Butterfest Master in 1992 and Leon Gatorfest parade marshal. Herb loved his family and his community; he will be deeply missed by all.
He is survived by his children, Gayle Patraw, Jane Guy, Joan Jenkins, and Wayne (Barb) Selbrede, brother, Duane Selbrede, special friend, Mary Slayton, grandchildren, Tina (Travis) Erickson, Cory Vieth, Tatum (Justin) Schroeder, Kim Kerska, Lindsey Jenkins, Heather (Brandon) Switz and Whitney Woodford, great grandchildren, Courtney (Dustin) Thurston, Taylor, McKenzie and Ava Sime, Bella and Natalie Erickson, Carly Jane and Max Schroeder, Joshua and Benjamin Kerska, Lauren and Morgan Woodford and Noah and Benjamin Switz, great great grandchildren, Brantlee, Elliott and Aidan Thurston, many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Elnor, his wife, Berniece, sisters, Irene (Bill) Myers and Dorothy (George) Heuer, a brother, Harold “Sonny” (Pat) Selbrede, grandson, Darin Libke, and a sister-in-law, Jeannette Selbrede.
A special thank you to MaryCrest Assisted Living in Sparta and the Serenity House for the care given to Herb.
A Celebration of Herb’s life will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at the Leon Community Center from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 5:30 p.m. and full military honors to conclude. Pastor Donald Ehler will officiate. A private family burial will take place at the Leon Cemetery. A meal will be served at the Leon Community Center following the services. Our gratitude to Randy and Debbie Abbott for Catering. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Leon Community Center or the organization of your choice. The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home of Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home
