Herb and his twin sister Rowena Pierce were born May 17th 1926 on the family farm south of Unadilla, NE. His parents were John West Pickerill and Martha (Wright) Pickerill. He attended Syracuse High School, and after his junior year, entered the U.S. Navy in 1944, serving in the Japanese Occupation Forces. He returned in 1946 to finish his senior year of high school, graduating in 1947. He always considered both the graduating classes of 1945 and 1947 his classes. He attended the University of Nebraska before entering full-time employment. Herb retired from Northern Natural Gas after 35 years.

He then began his great pastime, Golfing. He enjoyed playing Bridge with his wife and especially the Round Robin Group, and was a lifetime member of the Syracuse United Methodist Church, serving as a Trustee, member of the Administrative Council, and on several committees. Always a proud Republican he wrote many letters to the editor of the Syracuse Journal Democrat and to the Public Pulse in the Omaha World-Herald, always stating his conservative views. He was a Post Commander and lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars #5547, and a Master Mason and Past Master of Mount Moriah Lodge #57 Syracuse, NE. He was also a Past Patron of Brilliant Star #178 Syracuse, NE, and a Past Patron of Palmyra Chapter of Eastern Star #57 Palmyra, NE.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Martha Pickerill, Brother David Pickerill, sister-in-law Barbara Pickerill, and brother-in-law Norman Pierce.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Mary Lou (Wilson) Pickerill; Sister Rowena Pierce of Longview, WA; Children Deborah (Jack) Gilbert of Murdoch, NE; Mark Pickerill of Seattle, WA; Julie Pickerill of Surprise, AZ; Kelly (Roselyn) Pickerill of Lincoln, NE; and Timothy Pickerill of Brooklyn, NY. Grandchildren are Jennifer (Smed) Highfield of Kansas City, MO; Christine (David) Paulsen of Orlando FL; Kendall (Dan) Olson of Bellingham, WA; Merrill Pickerill of Seattle, WA; Cameron Pickerill-Trinitapoli of Portland, OR; Mckinsey Pickerill-Trinitapoli, serving on the USS Ronald Regan out of San Diego, CA; Hannah Pickerill-Trinitapoli of McMinnville, OR; Jacklyn (Matt) Struempler of Shawnee, KS; and Bryce Pickerill of Lincoln, NE. Great grandchildren are Tyler Paulsen, Grace Paulsen, Hudson Highfield, Penny Highfield.

Honorary Pallbearers are his Grandchildren.

The service will be held September 28th, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. at the United Methodist Church Green Room. A Masonic service will be held at the church. Military Honors by VFW Post #5547.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Syracuse United Methodist church building fund or the family. Inurnment at Park Hill Cemetery, Syracuse, NE. Pastor was Gary Ganger.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441