Gerry passed away on June 26, 2018 after a brief but valiant struggle with mantle cell lymphoma. He was born on July 18, 1934 in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of E. M. and Rachel Herber. He spent his early years in Sioux City, graduating from Central High School.
He attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA, interrupting his education there for a tour in the Army. He completed his BS degree in 1961, married Joanne Draxlir in June, and returned to Iowa State for more education. After receiving his Masters degree in Structural Engineering in early 1963, he and his young family moved to Seattle where he was employed as a Boeing engineer for several years. He was subsequently employed by the City of Seattle Engineering Department and Bovay Engineers before returning to Boeing as a Facilities Engineer, retiring in 1995. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling to Europe, Central America, South America and New Zealand. His main hobby was playing with cars, especially restoring and driving his beloved 1951 Mercury sedan.
He is survived by Joanne, his wife of 57 years; daughter Elizabeth Nemati (Bijan), Huntsville AL; son Gregory Herber (Heidi), Kirkland WA; seven grandchildren: David, Sam (Chelsea), Jonathan, Michael and Rachel Nemati and Shelby and Jake Herber; sister Miriam Arnett (Don), Pearland TX.
Memorials are suggested to Village Theatre, Issaquah WA; Early Ford V8 Foundation, Auburn IN; Evergreen Hospice, Kirkland WA; or your favorite charity.
A celebration of his life is planned for 10:30 am July 28 at the Highland Community Center, 14224 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98009.
The family invites you to share a favorite memory in the online guestbook.
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