Gregory Bruce Herberts, age 67 of Collinsville, IL passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland, IL.

Greg was born on July 12, 1956 in Ottawa, IL to the late Adolph "Herb" and Jean (nee Heuer) Herberts alongside two brothers, Jeff and Tim. The three siblings became lifelong friends, growing up in Collinsville, IL and creating cherished family memories and shared friendships across the country in the wild places where they hunted, fished, and enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors. The most sacred of these places is a small plot of land in Missouri purchased by their father, Herb, and now known to those who enjoy it as Turkey Camp. There, and within his role as a father and brother, he carried on the torch of the Herberts legacy and a deep connection to family, nature, and caring for his community through service.

In following his father's footsteps he became a surveyor and began his career at his father's company, Metropolitan Engineering. More recently, he retired from Juneau Associates, Inc. His work was not merely a profession, but a labor of love and a testament to his dedication to precision, craftsmanship, and a good day of hard work. He also helped to manage the St. Louis Street Cafe in Lebanon, IL alongside his late wife, Kathy (nee Solomon) Herberts, who preceded him in his passing.

Family was the cornerstone of Greg's legacy and a testament to the love that flowed through his veins. His children, Jennifer, Amy, Sean, and Zachary, were the pride of his heart, each a cherished chapter in the story of his life. In the laughter of his grandchildren - Drew, Benjamin, Ellyanna, Jackson, and Lincoln - he found echoes of his own joy and a promise of a future illuminated by love. He was also preceded in death by his son, Nicholas.

He became a valued member of many communities, including his home congregation at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He dedicated his time in his final days helping others through Meals on Wheels, working the land with his friends, helping his neighbors, and fishing and hunting with family and close friends. He enjoyed many nights telling stories and laughing with high school friends around Collinsville. He cared deeply about carving out a place in the world around him, and touched many hearts who will feel the sting of loss in the wake of his absence.

On May 23, 2024, at 1:30pm, an open invitation is extended to attend a memorial service at Holy Cross Lutheran Church located at 304 South Street, Collinsville, IL. Dress is casual. A Celebration of Life will follow from 3:00pm - 8:00pm at the Collinsville Recreation Club located at 427 South Mulberry, Collinsville, IL. We invite you to bring and share stories, let laughter flow, and allow hearts to unite in remembrance of a great man that had a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the "Plant A Tree" program at: https://plantatree.fs.usda.gov/tree-donation benefitting the Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota where he enjoyed fishing. Donations may also be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in his honor.

To donate a tree:

Visit https://plantatree.fs.usda.gov/tree-donation. Then, select "Specify a National Forest." Under "Select a state," select "Minnesota." Under "Select a forest," select "Chippewa National Forest - MN." Finally, enter your preferred donation amount and determine whether or not you would like a downloadable certificate.