HERBERT C. BESLER
Herbert Carl Besler, 82, passed away at UNMC in Omaha on May 18, 2026. Herbert was born January 31, 1944 in Lemmon, SD to Samuel Besler and Magdalena (Rosin) Besler, the third youngest of 15 children.
Herbert Besler was born to German Russian immigrants and raised in Bison, SD. Herb moved to Cambridge, NE on April 9,1963 to work at the Hay Mill.
He met Barbara Evertson who was born and raised in Cambridge.
They were married on August 23, 1963, and had four children: Karen (Cliff Kester), Roland (Tina), Randy (Katie) and Brenda (Jay Webb).
Herb and Barb have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In the fall of 1966, Barbara attended business school in Grand Island and Herb accompanied her; working at New Holland as a welder until he left for Army Reserve Basic Training.
After Basic Training, Herb worked for Johnson Implement and was a mechanic for International Tractors from 1967 to 1973. On April 2, 1973, Herb started “Cambridge Industries” which was later renamed Besler Industries and moved to the current location.
Herb married Julie Lievens on November 1, 1997. He was blessed to share many happy years with his wife Julie whose kindness and devotion meant so much to him and our family. Herb and Julie loved traveling together, taking motorcycle rides and antiquing. Julie passed away February 7, 2022.
Since Herb arrived in Nebraska in 1963, he has remained active in the Cambridge community.
In the early 1970s Herb and Bennie Desmond completed the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. The course was taught by Dr.
Gross, a Cambridge doctor who told them they were the first in the State of Nebraska to receive the certificate.
Herb also served on the Fire Department, was an Army Reservist from early 1967 to January 7, 1972, and served on the city council for two years in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Whenever there has been a need in the community that Herb could assist with, he volunteered; from the creation and installation of the Cambridge cross, built bleachers for the ballpark in the early 1970s, assisted in the creation of and the laser cut and powder coated the military memorial at McKinley Park, assisted in the creation of the Frisby Golf Course at McKinley Park in 2021, in 2019 designed and donated the dunk tank for Medicine Creek Days.
Herb is survived by his four children: Karen (Cliff Kester), Roland (Tina), Randy (Katie) and Brenda (Jay Webb). Stepchildren: Bobbi Morgan, Steve Lievens (Shara), Brian Leivens (Linda Jo). He was also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife, Barbara; wife, Julie; parents, Samuel and Magdelina; four sisters and four brothers; and an infant grandson, Aaron Randall Besler.
Visitation was held on Monday, May 25, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge.
Funeral services were scheduled for 10:30 AM on Tuesday morning, May 26, 2026 at the Trinity Community Church in Cambridge.
Burial followed services in the Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge.
Memorials in Herb’s name are suggested to the Cambridge, Nebraska Park Board or Cambridge Rescue Services.
Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.
