Scott Herring

Scott Keith Herring passed away September 26, 2023 in Blair, Nebraska at the age of 71 years. He was born to Roy and Jeanette (Anderson) Herring on July 5, 1952, in Marshall, Minnesota and grew up with his brothers and sister on a farm outside of town fishing, trapping, and working as a farm hand throughout his younger years. Upon graduating from Marshall High School in 1970, Scott pursued a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Southwest Minnesota State University. While attending college, he met his future bride on a triple date. Surprisingly, all the couples wed, with Scott and Joanne marrying March 22, 1975. Soon after, the couple moved to Carter Lake, Iowa where he taught Junior High math for two years before switching careers to computer programming. He worked as a programmer at three Omaha-based insurance companies and enjoyed a part-time “fun job” at Omaha Steaks, until retiring in 1998. Scott then found his passion in volunteering as a baby marshal at Bergan Mercy, and working at the CHI Health Print and Mail Center.

 

Scott and Joanne became members of Faith Westwood United Methodist Church shortly after moving to Omaha. While raising their two daughters, Scott was involved in the church as a member of United Methodist Men, Chancel choir, and many other small groups. He loved participating in all church events, including the chili cook-off, ice cream social, and the Living Last Supper portraying Thomas, which was featured in the Omaha World Herald. He attended countless retreats and events for Walk to Emmaus, where he also volunteered his time making gifts for participants and sharing his story. Outside the church walls, Scott enjoyed softball, horseshoes, bowling, cross stitch, cribbage, and puzzles.

 

Always remaining positive, he persevered through many medical complications; rheumatic fever as a child, seizures into his teen years, open-heart surgery at 24 to install his famous stainless-steel valve, stroke at 45, hip replacement, and many others. Through all of life’s trials, Scott held fast to his faith. "God is good” and “Just look up” were among his favorite things to say. 

Scott is lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Joanne Herring; children Melissa (Dennie) Arnold and Jessica (Craig) Ryan; grandchildren Chloe Arnold and Grant Arnold; siblings Terry (Heather) Herring, Bryan Herring, Monte (Eva) Herring, Shaun (Paula) Herring, and Melanie (Greg †) Tolzmann; and nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Jeanette Herring; brother-in-law Greg Tolzmann; and grandchildren Korbin Arnold and Mason Ryan.