R. George Herbst, Jr

WASHINGTON...R. George Herbst, Jr., 82, of Washington, passed away at 4:42 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013 at RiverView Care Center in East Peoria. George was born on June 16, 1930 in Roanoke to Raymond G. and Elizabeth Klaus Herbst, Sr. He married Ruth Ilgaudas at St. Mark?s Lutheran Church in Washington on May 24, 1953. Ruth died on July 25, 2011 at their home in Washington. Among those surviving are three daughters, Kathy (Herbst) Bell of Washington, Jeannie Herbst of Peoria and Barbara (Ethan) Garrett of Sarasota, FL; one son, George (Veronica) Herbst III of Peoria; three sisters, Bert (Bob) Klings and Joanne Neumann, both of Washington and Karen Smith of Peoria; one brother, Ed Herbst of Orlando, FL; six loving grandchildren, Eric, Kristin, Jeremy, Andrew, Lucas and Kaitlynn and one great granddaughter, Lyla and a special great grandson, London whose life began just hours after George?s ended. He was also preceded in death by his longtime friend and companion pet dog-Bond, James Bond. George was a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and later attended Bradley University where he earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He was also a proud member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of Sergeant. After college and the service, George came back to Washington to join the family business, Herbst Company, located on the square. He continued to manage and operate the company that was founded in 1942 until it?s closing more than 50 years later. George was an extremely talented individual. Among his various accomplishments was his ability as an artist-he could do hand painted calligraphy, make doll houses and also do an illustrated version of the Bible. One of the most noted items that he made was a miniature version of the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington. He loved to support the community in which he called home and over the years helped WHIP (Washington Helps It?s People), was a charter member of the Washington Chamber of Commerce, served on the Washington Sesqui-centennial committee and spear headed the fund raising of getting new drapes for the WCHS girls gym that was used for variety shows. George also had been a bell ringer for many years for the Salvation Army. Never one to miss a Chicago professional ball game, George was known to suddenly "fake" an illness just in time to get home to watch a Bulls or Cubs or Bears game on television if he were away at another event. Funeral services for George will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mark?s Lutheran Church in Washington with Pastor John Bates officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until services on Saturday morning at the church. Following George?s request, following services cremation rites will be accorded and burial of cremains will be this summer at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Mason-White Funeral Home is assisting the family in arrangements. Memorials may be directed to either TAPS or the Salvation Army or Riverview Retirement Community. Online condolences may be made to the family at masonfuneralhomes.com