With a heart full of love and fond memories, we bid farewell to Herbert Neidlinger of Buchanan, MI, who graced this world with his presence on November 19, 1930, in Baroda, MI, USA, and departed on April 14, 2024. Herbert was a man of many adjectives – loving, funny, witty, and dedicated. Anyone who knew him would attest to how his laughter filled a room, his wit kept everyone on their toes, and his dedication in all aspects of his life was unwavering. He was a beloved husband, a cherished father, a doting grandfather, and a devoted friend.
Herbert was a proud Army veteran, having served in the Korean War on Okinawa. His dedication and discipline translated into his work life, where he was a skilled welder at Clark Equipment and later a Machinist at Niles Precision. His work was not just a job but his passion. Herbert’s love for nature was evident in his favorite pastimes – fishing, bird watching, and simply being outdoors. His vibrant spirit and zest for life were infectious, and he had the unique ability to turn a mundane day into an adventure.
Herbert’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife of 70 years, Margurite Neidlinger, and their daughters, Debra (Dave) Florey, Margaret (Ron) Cowles, Charlotte Pastryk, and Brenda (Gordon) Payton. His spirit continues to live on in his grandchildren, Jason Florey, Duane Florey, Jonathan (Tracy) Cowles, Tonya (Cory) Nichols, Scott Pastryk, James Pastryk, Carrie Pastryk, Eric (Sarah) Payton, and Josh (Bettina) Payton; sister-in-laws, Maridee Schoenfeld, Marian Lintz; 20 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter (Mary) Neidlinger and Margaret (Charles) Smith, his siblings, Alice Sisk, Linda Abraham, Iva Markovich, Jim Marks, Charles Marks, and his great-grandson, Owen Payton, and son-in-law Bruce Pastryk.
The visitation will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 2:30 pm at Hoven Funeral Home, located at 414 East Front Street, Buchanan, Michigan, 49107. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm at the same venue.
Let us remember him not only for the life he lived but also for the lives he touched.