Obituary of Michael Fredrick Herbel

Michael Herbel, born on June 1, 1939 in Hutchinson, KS, passed away on August 17, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Arlona, and his children: Dane Michael Herbel (spouse – Susie Herbel), Leawood, Kansas; Dene Mitchell Herbel (spouse – DeAnn Herbel), Millsap, TX; Dedra Herbel Standish (spouse - Walter Kevin Standish, passed in 2007; spouse – Bill Conn), Lago Vista, TX. Grandchildren (by order of birth): Hilary Creighton (spouse – Tyler Creighton), Barrett Standish (spouse – Charly Standish), Broderick Standish, Ben Herbel, Katie Herbel, Sydney Herbel, Sierra Herbel, Cade Herbel, and a great grandchild, Oliver Creighton. His sister, Susan B Herbel, lives in Fort Myers, FL, and his other sister Hellen Herbel Callaway, passed in 1992 leaving two children, Erika Kleiner (spouse – Bernardo Kleiner) and Lael Callaway.

He grew up in Lyons, KS with his parents Herbert "Herb" Herbel and Olive Buehler Herbel where he distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete winning numerous letters in basketball, baseball, track, and golf. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Business Administration where he also lettered in golf. A devoted fan and supporter of K-State, he served as a KSU Foundation Trustee from 1990-2005 and played the principal role is establishing two funds: the Herbel College of Business Scholarship, a permanently endowed fund expected to last in perpetuity, and the Hellen Herbel Callaway Cancer Research Memorial Fund. His creativity carried him into design and sales which him to successful careers in banking and apparel, where he designed and sold women's fashions, and later sports clothing and paraphernalia.

Mike was a devoted family member, especially to the "Great Eight" as he referred to his grandchildren. Arlona, his wife, remembers Mike as her rock keeping the world steady and calm, and making sure they had a wonderful life. His children remember him as a great friend and ally. He was always in their corner and someone they could depend on to support them, as well as set them straight. As one said, "He was just as much a brother as a father." His sister remembers him as an outstanding dancer and a guy to be reckoned with, i.e., he always had her back. His youngest sister's children remember him as "Kong". His friends called him "Purple" or "Big Mike" and remember him as "Zero" due to his extraordinary gin rummy skills.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 24, 2018, at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery, 821 N. Grand Ave, Lyons, KS 67554. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would be honored if you sent a contribution in memory of Michael Herbel to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com