Loran "Butch" Herrick Obituary (1943

Loran 'Butch' G. Herrick, 82 years old, of Guide Rock, peacefully passed away on September 27, 2025, surrounded by his family and holding the hand of his beloved wife of 61 years. He was born on May 6, 1943, in Webster County to Carold and Opal (Cramer) Herrick where he was one of six children born to the couple. Loran spent his childhood residing on a farm in rural Webster County between Guide Rock and Red Cloud while attending school at Amboy, Cowles and Guide Rock. Loran's desire to start his own farm and cattle operation far outweighed his desire to continue on with school which led to an early life of hard work and pinching pennies to make his dream a reality. While on his quest to purchase his own land and cattle he worked at various businesses in the Webster County area which included Butterfield Construction, Booker Garage and the Farmer's Coop. In the midst of pursuing his dream of farming and cattle rearing, Loran crossed paths with his one true love, Markeeta "Keet" (Blankenbaker) Herrick, during a visit to Red Cloud. The two quickly became inseparable, and after a six-month courtship, they pledged their lives to one another on a sweltering summer day, June 7, 1964. Their union was soon blessed with children: their eldest son, Loran "Gene" Herrick Jr., born February 9, 1965; their daughter, Sandee (Herrick) Heller, born December 1, 1966; and their youngest son, Kevin Herrick, born July 22, 1974, completing their family. With his wife by his side, Loran was able to begin his farming and cattle career in 1969. From this time on, Loran dedicated his life to farming and raising cattle, a passion that defined who he was. He was always known to have a loyal companion by his side--often a Collie or Collie mix, and in later years, a Chihuahua mix named Barney. Faithful to the very end, Barney rarely left Loran's side and remained with him up until his passing. Loran took great pride in working the land and caring for his livestock, and his legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for agriculture will live on through his family. As the years went by, Loran's family grew with the addition of grandchildren and, eventually, great-grandchildren. Each of them was introduced to the farming and cattle-raising way of life that he held so dear, learning lessons from his example of hard work, perseverance, and respect for the land. Loran's greatest joy was his family--he cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was sharing stories, teaching the value of honest work, or simply enjoying their company. His unwavering love and steady presence were a constant source of strength and comfort, and his family never doubted the depth of his devotion. Loran was truly the last of a dying breed -- an unbelievable hard worker, selfless, loyal, independent, and, as those who knew him best would say, a whole lot stubborn. These traits shaped not only the life he built but also the deep impact he had on everyone around him. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of the land and cattle, and the steadfast values that defined his life. Loran was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wendell, sisters, Caroldene and Dixie, and son-in-law Eric Heller. Left to cherish his time on earth are his wife of Guide Rock, brother Leonard of Franklin, brother Bill of Bloomington, son Gene (Cheryl) of Guide Rock, daughter Sandee (Eric) Heller of Guide Rock, son Kevin (Kandice) of Guide Rock, grandson Devin (Kyndsay) of Palmer, grandson Taylor (Laura) of Lincoln, granddaughter Christine (Brett) of Blue Hill, granddaughter Korrie (Spencer) of Hastings, grandson Trever of Nelson, grandson Samuel of Hastings, step-grandson Jakob (Lyla) of Blue Hill and step-grandson Aiden of Guide Rock. He is also survived by his seven great-grandchildren: Owyn, Hayzlee, Maxtyn, Graham, Coleson, Halle, and Hunter and his one step-great grandchild: Maci Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Guide Rock Community Gymnasium with Mark Herrick officiating. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Williams Funeral Home 241 West 4th Avenue Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970 Phone 402-746-2500 williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com