Floyd was born on the 4th of July, 1912 and lived up to the occasion with a "fire cracker" life. He was the only child of Stephen W. and Olie Duras Herman, born and raised in Wilber, NE. An avid hunter and fisherman, he would barely beat the bell for class at Wilber High after his early morning hunt. He received a bachelor's degree and Army commission from the University of Nebraska in 1935. During that time, he organized, outfitted, and competed in the beginning of the UN Gymnastics Program and was the first "N" letter recipient for gymnastics. In 1932, Floyd was one of the U.S. competitors in the Sokol Slet (Czech organization for physical fitness) in Prague, CZ. He and his parents travelled to Europe by ship, where Floyd practiced on deck with his peers. Floyd was the youngest of the 100-member contingent from the U.S. and as such carried the U.S. flag in the opening ceremony.
In 1935, during the depression, he was fortunate to get a job with his great-uncle, John Herman, working in his assay lab in Los Angeles. He sent for his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Rezabek, and they were married there in August. Three children were born in California---Don, Paul, and Peggy. Floyd resigned his Army commission as a 1st Lieutenant in 1940, due to worsening food allergies.
During WWII, Floyd worked in a defense plant as a salvage inspector for aircraft landing gear. Toward the end of the war, he then started a career as a vaudeville singer on the east coast with the stage name of Paul Gary. He sang full-time until late 1948 when he moved his family to the farm near Wilber where two more children were born---Sue and Robert. Of the five children, all received Bachelors Degrees, four have Masters Degrees, one an Air Transport Pilot rating, and all three sons became Naval Aviators.
Starting to farm on a shoe string, Floyd became innovative to maximize his yields. He was a pioneer in using minimum-till farming and was recognized by the Ag Department of N.U. He also was deeply involved with the farm cooperative movement, ultimately serving as President of the Board of two different regional cooperatives. Floyd also devoted his energies to positions on the Farmers Union, Democratic Party, the Wilber and District 9 school boards, and was instrumental in the Wilber-Clatonia School consolidation.
Floyd and Evelyn were founding members of the Wilber Czechs which grew to be the Nebraska Czechs, with Wilber then becoming the Czech Capitol of the United States. They lent their talents to the parades, pageants, and talent contests. Floyd was master of ceremonies for many years, narrating the Historic Pageant both in Czech and in English.
Floyd continued to farm until his late 70's. He then became an avid RV'er with Evelyn, traveling every fall and winter exploring from Mexico through Canada and up into Alaska. Peggy and her husband, Vic, newly retired, joined them, allowing the RV adventure to continue for Floyd into his 90's.
Floyd and Evelyn were fortunate to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary in August of 2010. Evelyn passed away that January 2011 at age 97. Despite having two grandchildren as MD's, Floyd wouldn't have much to do with doctors, never having any long-term prescriptions, hospitalization, or chronic disabilities.
Floyd's July birthday has been the occasion for 15 consecutive years of family gatherings---averaging 35+ each year. When he designed the farmhouse, Floyd built it for a large family. Who knew that the dining room crowd would overflow to the living room and then to tables outside? As his neighbor once said, there is more LOVE at the farm during these reunions than in the entire state and we believe that to be true!!
Floyd is predeceased by his parents, Steve W. and Olie (Duras) Herman, his wife Evelyn (Rezabek) Herman, his son and daughter-in-law Don and Carole (Chaloupka) Herman, and his daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Curtis) Herman.
Floyd's surviving family members are happily numerous. His children are Paul (Bernice) Herman, Peggy (Vic) Salinas, Sue (Rob) Linehan, and Robert (Terry) Herman.
Grandchildren include Don's children, Mark, Scott, and Terri (Petrescu); Paul's children, Dan and Kris (Jones); Peggy's children, Kim (Angeli), Cindy (Cullers), and Steve (Angelcyk); Sue's children, Lisa (Stalnaker) and Julie (Davenport); and Robert's daughter, Elizabeth. There are 19 great grandchildren.
A reunion and private memorial is planned for family over this coming 4th of July. No donations or flowers are expected but, if desired, consider Nebraska Czechs of Wilber. Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber is in charge of arrangements.