Has a Death Occurred? We Are Available 24/7 | Live Chat
Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Herb
An environmentally friendly option
Gina O'Tool, Rachel Walker & Caitlin Higgins
purchased flowers for the family of Herb Reuss. Send Flowers
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
J
Jeff Burson posted a condolence
Friday, June 26, 2020
Herb we love you so much! You will be missed everyday! We will help watch over Joan, Lea and Michelle. We look forward to seeing you again in heaven. Take care until then my friend.
Jeff and Stacey Burson
D
Dennis Doyle posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
It was with great sadness that I just learned that Herb is no longer with us. I'll always be indebted to Herb for flying me out from Seattle to DC for an interview with Kiewit when the market in Seattle had tanked. Thankfully Herb saw enough in me to hire me. Herb was one of what I call 'good people'. Always upbeat and positive, even when things got thick. Always willing to share his knowledge and experience. When Herb found out I was going to run a marathon, he told me "God only gives you so many breaths in this life. Why do you want to use up so many doing that?"
My only regret is I didn't get to know Herb for a longer period of time. He was a good man. Vios con Dios, Herb.
J
Jerry and Janie Reuss7n7aF posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
We really enjoyed that we were able to stay close to Herb, Joan ,Lea and Michelle . Will really miss seeing Herb in the Fall for Nebraska games , and sometimes one of the girls or Joan. Loved when they lived here for a few years, we shared a lot of family events. We met them in Utah to ski one year . We always had a great time visiting, so much history together. Will miss him a lot . ❤️
H
Harold Reeves posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
I started with Kiewit in Seattle in the summer of 1987. Soon after, I met Herb for the first time as he was the District Safety Manager and would visit our project on a regular basis. I was a “greenhorn” - drinking from the construction firehose of jargon and tasks coming at me, not knowing if I would succeed or be tramped at any moment. I didn’t really know anyone, yet, in any more depth than the obligatory salutations of “good morning” and “good night” and it was pretty apparent that the staff wanted me to earn my way into the graces of the team. I understood and accepted that. Then along comes Herb - he was different. He immediately introduced himself to me like I was someone who mattered – like I’d been around the group forever. You all know that bold and genuine handshake and firmly spoken greeting. I was so impressed with his caring approach and willingness to reach out to the new kid and try and make him feel comfortable. He went so far as to invite me to come out and play hoops with the group he commonly did so with in that very first conversation. What? No hazing? No silent treatment? What is all this friendliness? I will never forget how he made me feel that day and I never got tired of his handshake and gregarious greetings. I wonder, today, if he ever fully understood his innate ability to boost the spirits of those around him. He was a perfect example of someone who was “comfortable in his own skin”, and that’s a great thing.
I never worked with Herb on a jobsite until some 10+ years later on the Nike project. Herb had come to handle contract changes and help get us paid for scope changes and impacts. He was a relentless bulldog, always committed and grinding away to get the work done, but he was no match for my ability to avoid him or flat out just blow him off. “I was busy” and never had the time to spend talking about things that weren’t going to get the work done – at the time. That was my falsely founded approach in those days….until one day, Herb got me. Herb understood people – how they tick and how to work with them, no matter the circumstances. Now Herb had this newbie working for him – Kevin Pham. Kevin had boundless energy combined with first-tier persistence. I managed to avoid him for a while too, using my best George Costanza-like “can’t ya see I’m busy” tactics. Then, one day, Kevin is wise enough (with Herb’s guidance, no doubt) to come in well after the shift was over, shut the door to my office and say – “Herb told me to come in here and not let you leave until you go over these PCO’s with me.” There was something about that moment that just stripped me of my guard, and I started laughing hysterically. Kevin didn’t quite know how to take that, so I explained to him that I was laughing at Herb’s tactic of using him to get to me, which he did. That moment is so reflective of Herb’s creativity and commitment to his work – he wasn’t above using the new bulldog on the block to best me and I knew I’d been had. Classic! Still makes me laugh to this day. Our paths would diverge after those days, regretfully.
Thanks for all the laughs and greatness you brought to so many here on earth, Herbie. I’m blessed to have known you and I hope our paths cross again. Peace now.
HR (the other one)
K
Katie posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Uncle Herb was always so good with the little kids. He will always be rembered by my kiddos for his high five, cut the pickle, tickle, tickle routine. We loved having him, Joan, and the girls in Omaha for several years and then even after they moved still seeing him during Husker football season.
B
Bryan Reuss posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, June 15, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/cross.png
I remember being the Ring Bearer in Herb and Joan’s wedding in Seattle. It was a very memorable trip to a part of the country we had not been, Seattle. I still remember how proud I was to be a part of their wedding and they were so kind and patient with me!
S
Sharon Klawitter posted a condolence
Monday, June 15, 2020
Among the many things I'm grateful for from my years of knowing Herb is his willingness to accept work transfers. This meant I could travel to a new state or city to visit and/or enjoy adventures with my friend Joan whom I met in junior high/middle school. Probably the most memorable trip was when Joan and I and the girls traveled together to visit Herb in Alaska. We didn't see much of Herb who was hard at work, but the four of us had a heck of a road trip all around Alaska! Most recently, Joan and Herb's residence in Arlington, Virginia meant a most comfortable and conveniently located home base for several visits to explore DC and the area. Great adventures, indeed! I managed to catch up with the family after every move except when they lived in Hawaii and Snohomish, WA. Herb was always an affable, generous and engaging host! A memorable Herbism relates to a time early in their marriage when Joan wondered what impact having children would have on their shared love of travel. Herb's response went something like this: "Are you kidding? Sure, one arm will be longer than the other after a while from you pulling our child along behind you, but other than that, nothing will change!" Herb's passing leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him for the wonderfully caring, funny and generous human being that he was. Wishing all love, peace and comfort at this time of great sadness.
E
Ellen Renfroe posted a condolence
Sunday, June 14, 2020
My fondest memory was visiting Herb, Joan, and the girls when they lived in southern California, 1997. I was on a work trip, and brought 5 year old daughter, Andrea, along, with the thought of squeezing in a trip to Disneyland. I had just had a set of untimely surgeries, which prevented me from doing "all the things" that a mom should do with a 5 year old at Disneyland. Along came Herb, silently hoisting Andrea up on his broad shoulders, where she rode, grinning, much of the day, perusing all of Disneyland from above. Riding on top of those oh-so-tall shoulders was the highlight of Andrea's day, especially during the Disney parade. I will always remember that kind, quiet gesture of Herb's, that silent gift. Always remember the strength from within.
J
Jim Sorensen posted a condolence
Sunday, June 14, 2020
I have great memories of Herbie and his older brothers. We lived a few blocks away but his brothers and mine would get together for some baseball games between us. Wonderful times. Sorry to hear of his passing. God bless!
J
Jody Noon Payton posted a condolence
Saturday, June 13, 2020
I met Joan our freshman year at University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1973 and we have remained close ever since. Following college, we both returned to our roots in the West Coast. I remember when Joan met Herb, got engaged and married – they were a match made in heaven and it felt like Herb had been in our lives forever -- such a caring, easy going, fun guy!!! Given Herb's job with Kiewit, they moved around quite a bit but we had the great fortune of having them live nearby twice when they were in Vancouver, Washington. Over the years I have lots of great memories of Herb but my two fondest ones are around the time of Michelle's birth.
Because they lived so close, I was honored to be with Joan and Herb at Michelle's birth. After Joan got her epidural we got to talking about baby names (they didn't know if the baby was a boy or a girl). Joan shared that they were thinking of Erica for a girl’s name. I wasn’t a fan of the name but Joan reminded me that my girl names were either Irene or Tiffany (thankfully I had two sons). Then she said she liked the name Michelle. Herb said he liked the name Michelle and I said I liked the name Michelle too. Not too long after that conversation, a sweet baby girl was born and, voila – that’s how Michelle got her name! Seeing Herb’s support for Joan, sharing their joy as Michelle came into this world and witnessing his love, care and attention for both of his girls at every stage of their development are cherished memories for me.
After Joan brought Michelle home from the hospital, I came to their house after work check in and introduce my younger son Bryan to the new baby. Bryan was a close friend of Lea’s and was about 3 ½ at the time. Lea and Bryan were playing in the living room as I was visiting with Herb and Joan and holding Michelle. Bryan came running toward me and tripped and went flying into the coffee table, hitting his head. Blood was pouring from his forehead. Herb scooped him up, took him to the kitchen, calmed Bryan (and me) to take a look at the wound. It clearly needed stitches so Herb scooted us into his car, drove us to the emergency room and waited while Bryan got stitched up. I felt so safe and cared for by Herb – it was as if Bryan was his child. That’s just the kind of guy Herb was.
Herb leaves a huge hole in our hearts but his legacy will live on through all of the lives he touched not the least of which are Joan, Lea and Michelle.
C
Cindy Lewin and Arthur Fox posted a condolence
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Herb and Joan have been wonderful neighbors. When Herb watched us attack an unseasonably huge snowfall with our pathetic little shovels, he took pity on us and came over with his Nebraska-size snowblower and took care of our driveway. Joan even followed with her shovel to do the touch-up. They did the same for every snowfall for our elderly neighbors, who had a huge driveway. Joan also saved the day by bringing enough food over for many meals after my husband had surgery. Even though they were relative newcomers to the neighborhood, it did not take them long to become central to it. We miss seeing Herb's brightly-painted Kiewit truck every day. His loss is deeply felt. Our heartfelt condolences to Joan, Lea, and Michelle.
Maureen Raley posted a condolence
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Herb was my neighbor and friend, who, with his wife Joan, my theatre-going GF, stealthily cleared the snow from my driveway back in the olden days when there was snow -- it took me some time to catch them in the act, so I could thank them. All of us who knew you will miss you so much.
K
Kate and Mark Beiting posted a condolence
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Dear Reuss family--our condolences on the loss of Jerry's brother. Prayers and strength. Mark and Kate Beiting
P
Patti (Trisha) VanSeveren(Stahmer) posted a condolence
Friday, June 12, 2020
Always remember the good times we had at husker celebrations with your parents and mine. They will all be forever together cheering on the huskers!
L
Lani Smithson uploaded photo(s)
Friday, June 12, 2020
/public-file/19639/Ultra/7742772b-64d1-45b5-bb2c-200db2cc3ee4.jpg
I first met Herb in 1997 on the Nike project in Beaverton, OR and instantly liked him.
I have so many memories with this man. When Colleen and I were transferred from Nike to the Level 3 project in Denver, Herb and Joan followed us soon after. Herb was the construction manager of all the facilities East of the Mississippi river and I had all those in the West. He and I were on an airplane every week visiting our sites and although competitive at work, we developed a close friendship between ourselves and our families. On several occasions we would vacation together as we explored Colorado. These vacations would also include Ken and Karen Graves, Mike and Diane Colpack and Andre and Mary Aube. Over the course of my Kiewit career, these were by far the best times to this day.
Herbisms:
1. When is first started having lunch with Herb, he had a way of positioning his left arm around his plate, lowering his head to about 1' above the plate and the eating would begin. He wouldn't leave that position until the food was gone. As I watched this attack, I asked him what's the rush? He then told me a story of how when he grew up there would be 8 people around the dinner table and there were only 7 hot dogs! You had to be fast! I tell that story to this day.
2. When we would play golf together, he and I both had a pretty hefty slice. As we both would fight our way up the right side of the fairway, for some reason when we got to the green he was always lying one stroke behind me and he ALWAYS found his ball.. When I would challenge him on his score, he would stop, turn back toward the tee and start going through all his shots out loud in true Herb fashion. After a while I stopped asking.
3. Herb had an uncanny way of contorting his face to display any emotion he was feeling at the time. My favorite was when he knew something you didn't know. As he starts to tell you his eyes would get real big, he'd look you square in the eye, the excitement would build in his voice and he would get that Cheshire cat grin anxiously awaiting your response.
Herb was a devoted husband, a loving father and a true friend. I miss my friend. I will never forget him. Wherever you are Herbster, I hope it's sitting on an easy chair, with the sun on your face, sipping on a glass of Cabernet and enjoying the view from your Edgemor house in Bellingham. Next time I visit, I'll see you there!
Aloha 'Oe,
Lani
G
Glenn ONeill posted a condolence
Friday, June 12, 2020
Jerry and Janie. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Glenn ONeill
G
Gina O'Tool, Rachel Walker & Caitlin Higgins purchased flowers
Thursday, June 11, 2020
//d1uep5tseb3xou.cloudfront.net/content/images/thumbs/0004290_full-of-love-bouquet.jpeg
Gina O'Tool, Rachel Walker & Caitlin Higgins
purchased the Full Of Love Bouquet for the family of Herb Reuss.
Send Flowers
Michelle Reuss and family, sending you love and support from afar. Thinking and praying for you during this difficult time.
Please wait
L
Laura and Cliff posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Herb was one of our first friends when Cliff and I moved to Seattle. He was always kind, ready to have fun and quick with an amusing quip or wry observation.
Back then he couldn’t wait to have us meet a woman he’d met and was smitten with, named Joan. He knew we would love her, and of course we did!
That was over 35 years ago and we have been so close to them over the years, following their adventures in the various places they’ve moved and trying to visit whenever we could.
Our families grew together over the years as our children were born, entered adulthood and our lives as parents evolved.
We second the tributes that acknowledged Herb’s love of family and pride in their daughters accomplishments. He was a loving and devoted family man and a wonderful friend. We will miss him so much!
S
Steve S uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
/public-file/19575/Ultra/6b99fb57-9e73-4832-b415-12c79739665d.jpg
/public-file/19576/Ultra/82612f17-f8ae-4fae-8e69-34da26d5d850.jpg
To the Reuss Family,
My condolences on Herb's passing. When I heard the news, I turned to my wife and said...that's the guy who took me to my first Nationals Game when I was in town for work. I recall the moment like yesterday... It was towards the end of the work day and Herb found me (somewhere in the office) and said "hey, what are you doing tonight? Want to go to a game?" At the time, I wasn't a real huge baseball fan but Herb convinced me to go...and ever since then, I tell everyone the same story,...and how that day, I became a baseball fan.
Thank you Herb for the memories, your kindness and all the smiles.
Steve S
Ray Hallquist posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
I remember the first time I met Herb was in 2010 when he visited DC. He was always positive and uplifting to me. We spent many afternoon at the "central office" located in Crystal City (the Marriott) sharing a glass of wine, talking all sort of things. Most times he listened as I complained about all the wrongs in the world, offering advice and patience. He was one of the few people that I know that could discuss politics and listen, offer his opinion, listen to mine and then agree to have another glass of wine.
A funny story one time Herb was presenting at our Area Meeting. The slide deck (PPT) had changed from what he had, and pretty much every slide Herb, keeping his cool, said...well that wasn't my next slide. But he never lost it, just kept his feet moving and on to the next one.
When I left DC, he sat down and said if I ever needed anything to call him and ask. We followed Herb and your life by the Christmas letter sent every year and I always knew that Herb would answer the phone if I ever needed to call.
Herb was a great man, husband and father. It was said best that he knew how to mix family and work seamlessly. Not many people can claim that, Herb could.
You never know when the last time you will be able to say goodbye to someone. I will miss saying goodbye to Herb.
Ray Hallquist
R
The family of Herb J Reuss uploaded a photo
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
/tribute-images/676114/Ultra/Herb-Reuss.jpg
Please wait
Copyright © 2022 | Terms of Use & Privacy Policy | All Rights Reserved