Michael Herbst, 53 of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at All Saints Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at All Saints Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Life Skills Training Center and Gehlen Catholic Schools.

Michael Edward Herbst was born on June 11, 1972 in Meridian, Mississippi and was adopted by Lloyd and Mary (McCormick) Herbst. Their family moved to Le Mars when Mike was in junior high. He continued his education at Gehlen Catholic where he graduated in 1991. Mike then attended Wayne State College where he earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science.

Mike was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Cheri Lyn Wiltgen, on March 12, 1993 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars. They made their home in Le Mars and had five children: Cayla, Austin, Izaac, Elliotte, and Ethan.

From a young age, Mike worked evenings and summers with his father at Herbst Construction Inc. They primarily worked on road and bridge construction in Nebraska. After Lloyd passed away, Mike took over the company; he worked hard to carry on and strengthen the business.

Mike loved watching sports, always cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Notre Dame. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing, and going to the casino. His favorite hobby was fishing; he had a great group of friends who would travel with him on fishing trips.

Mike loved his family dearly. He worked hard to provide while also being a present and active husband and father. He especially loved his two grandchildren. He currently has a third grandbaby on the way, due to be born on his birthday. He was a selfless and generous man; he would not hesitate to help, and he did so in a quiet and unassuming way. Mike wasn't always the loudest man in the room, but you always wanted to hear what he had to say. He had the best chuckle and sense of humor. He was a protector and provider for his family and never let them worry about anything.

Mike's last act of kindness was being an organ and tissue donor; his gift will change lives and bring blessings to many others.

Mike is survived by his wife, Cheri; children: Cayla Herbst and her daughter, Haydyn of Le Mars, Austin (Lauren) Herbst and their first child (due June 2026) of Omaha, NE, Elliotte Herbst and her son, Waylon of Le Mars, and Ethan Herbst of Le Mars; his mother, Mary Herbst; parents in law, Ron and Cheryl Wiltgen of Le Mars; siblings: Michele (Michael) Evink of Osceola, IA, Christine (Joe) Stevermer of Easton, MN, and Rick Herbst of South Bend, IN; many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Herbst and his son, Izaac Herbst.