William "Bill" Michael Herrick I

William "Bill" Michael Herrick I, 86 years of age, of Franklin passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, surrounded by family at Harlan County Hospital in Alma. He was born on December 23, 1939, in Guide Rock, Nebraska to Carold and Opal (Cramer) Herrick.

Bill graduated from Guide Rock High School with the Class of 1958, where he was known for his athletic ability. He enjoyed playing basketball and running track when he wasn’t helping his family on the farm.

Bill later served in the United States Army. His time in the service helped shape the man he became, and he was honorably discharged after several years. He was a member of the Bloomington American Legion Post #145.

During his military service, Bill learned how to install telephone lines, a skill he continued to use for a short time after his discharge. He later worked as a pipefitter in fire protection on commercial buildings for Adams Automatic, Inc., based out of Denver, Colorado, where he dedicated 39 years of service. During this time, he married and raised four children, whom he loved dearly.

Although he spent many years in Colorado, it never quite felt like home. Bill eventually returned to Nebraska, where he found the perfect piece of land and pursued his lifelong passion for farming. That land became his happy place. He especially enjoyed quiet mornings on the porch with a cup of coffee, watching wildlife with his beloved dog, Smudge, by his side.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, traveling, drawing, woodworking, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Linda Palizzi (Daren), Thornton, CO; sons, Bill Herrick II, of Partlow, VA; Mark Herrick (Kelly), Chappell, NE; Brett Herrick, Franklin, NE; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; his brother, Leonard Herrick (Pat), Franklin, NE; sister-in-law, Keet Herrick, Guide Rock, NE; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carold and Opal, two brothers, Butch and Wendell Herrick, two sisters, Caroldene and Dixie.

Bill’s wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service to follow.

There will be no formal visitation.

Military honors will be conducted by Bloomington American Legion Post #145 and the Nebraska Honor Guard.

Graveside memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Guide Rock Cemetery, Guide Rock, Nebraska with Kent Ingram officiating. Following the graveside service family and friends will gather at the Guide Rock Community Center where refreshments will be served.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Franklin Senior Center in care of Hutchins F.H., PO Box 252, Franklin, NE 68939. For online condolences please visit www.hutchinsfh.com