Wilfrid F Hergott

Wilfrid Frances Hergott was born in 1930 to August and Laura (Starr) Hergott. He was a lifelong farmer in Thayer County where he grew up and tended the family’s land that was homesteaded over a 100 years ago. He attended a one room schoolhouse in his early years, before graduating from Alexandria High School in 1947. He continued farming until joining the service in 1951. He proudly served as a US Army Sergeant until 1954. His years of service to his family farm and his country formed the backbone of how he would live the rest of his life. During this time, he married Lola M Wilson, who he met while picking peaches in Colorado. They had 5 sons together. Rick (Kathy), Gary (Carol), Ron (Lori), Greg (Brenda) and Lonnie. Their marriage ended in the 80’s but his love and pride in his sons endured. Like many of his generation, he struggled with balance of work and family but over time and with life experiences, he gained great appreciation for family, friends and caring for those in his life. He was kind and helpful to those around him, practicing a faith that was ingrained in him from his love of the Catholic church.

Ever the entrepreneur, he really enjoyed buying, fixing, and selling various automobiles and farm equipment. In the early 70’s he bought and successfully rejuvenated Ace Hardware in Hebron. The buying and selling of products and servicing his community is something he enjoyed immensely. He eventually sold the Hardware and went back to focusing on his lifelong love of farming and ranching.

In the 90’s he found a hobby that changed his life. He started country western dancing. He shared this newfound enjoyment with his second wife, Norma Bartling. They shared many happy years together.

Time passed and he was on his own again, he continued to enjoy the pleasures of being a lifelong Thayer County resident. Working the land, caring for livestock, practicing his faith, and engaging in the occasional political foray. A farmer, a soldier, a dad, a grandpa, he is survived by many grandchildren and friends. None more wonderful than Mary Nelson, who he befriended on the dance floor, and they became close, meaningful friends. Grateful for family, friends, and caregivers of assisted living centers in Deshler and Hastings that carried him back to where it all began in Thayer County Nebraska.

The rosary was recited Monday, 7:00 pm, November 20, 2023, at the Kroll Funeral Home Chapel in Hebron.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, 2:00 pm, November 21, 2023, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hebron the Fr. Steven Major officiating. Interment with military honors was at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Hebron.

Kroll Funeral Home
330 North 5th
Hebron, Nebraska

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