Marie Herbert

Marie Ann (Kroening) Herbert was born to Norma (Schroer) and Harold ("Butch") Kroening on March 14, 1933. She grew up in Lawrence Nebraska, with her brothers, Maurice and Jack Kroen- ing. She moved to Lincoln upon graduating (with a Regents Scholarship) from Law- rence High School and took a job at Goodyear.

She met Jack Herbert at the Pla-Mor Ballroom in Lincoln. They married on Feb. 5, 1953. They were a devoted couple who went on weekly dates even when their children were small. They traveled extensively with their family and on their own, in later years mostly to their winter home in Scottsdale. Jack died on Christmas Day in 2021.

Marie was not one to call attention to herself, but her accomplishments speak for themselves. She and sister-in-law, Ric Herbert, were accountants for the family business Herbert Brothers Builders. She also managed the numerous properties and investments that she and Jack owned. She added ledgers in her head faster than her daughters could on a calculator. She directed the St. John's choir and shared her love of music through singing and piano. She was a seamstress, crafting everything from baby kimonos to Christmas outfits and prom dresses for her daughters and grandchildren. Marie remained a sharp-witted bridge player and crossword puzzler until her final days. But most of all she showed us how to love. Her beautiful smile warmed, celebrated and accepted each of us.

Marie was born into a baseball family. Her dad pitched professionally for the Chicago White Sox, and later coached her softball team. One of her most prized possessions was a 1950 Cubs baseball program on which she managed to snag an autograph of her favorite player, Jackie Robinson. Her sports knowledge rivaled that of any sportscaster; she could spout stats, averages, and players' names, and often second-guessed play calls. She especially enjoyed Husker volleyball and football, and avidly followed Royals baseball.

One of Marie's greatest strengths was her embodiment of the Serenity Prayer. If it was within her capacity to change a problem, she'd do her best; but if she couldn't, she'd adjust and cheerfully get on with her life. In this, and in countless other ways, Marie was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Marie died peacefully at home on her own terms on June 7, 2024, surrounded by family. She was able to stay home until the end in large part because of the care of loving Visiting Angel and CHI Hospice staff, who became part of the extended family.

Marie was a member of the following Catholic parishes in Lincoln: Sacred Heart; St. John's; St. Theresa's; St. Joseph's.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Maurice; and her beloved husband, Jack.

She leaves behind her brother, Jack; daughters: Pam (Randy) Barger, Vicki (Jim) Cox, and Kay (Ken) Drwal; grandchildren: Anna Harms (Nicolas) Goetchel, Fay Barger, Andrew (Beth) Cox, Lara (Troy) McCaleb, Jake Drwal, Kevin Drwal, Ross Drwal, and Joseph Drwal; and great-grandchildren: Jackson Barger, Ren Eckerly, Imogene Cox, and Enid McCaleb.

Her funeral was at 10 a.m., June 14, 2024, at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Memorials may be sent to Special Olympics Nebraska and Center Pointe Mental Health Service.