GREAT BEND — John William Herl, 72, passed away May 2, 2021, at his home in Great Bend. He was born March 29, 1949, in Great Bend, to Victorinus “Vic” and Mabel (Leeper) Herl. He married Vicki Day July 29, 1970, and they later divorced. He later married Bernadean “Bernie” Stos Suppes on January 29, 1983, and they later divorced. 

John graduated from Great Bend High School in 1967 and later graduated from Emporia State University. He went into active duty in the United States Army on April 10, 1969, obtaining the rank of Specialist 4. He transferred into the Army Reserves on November 13, 1970. John was honorably discharged on April 9, 1975. John was a family man and a hard worker, who proudly worked alongside his family at Corrosion Proof Fitting Company. He later owned and operated Herl Pipe & Specialty, Inc. 

John loved to ride motorcycles, fast cars, gambling, and to travel with friends. He was very committed to the Catholic Church and was a member of Prince of Peace Parish.  John had a calming soul, generous heart and especially loved spending time with his family. He never met a stranger. 

Survivors include, a son, Cameron Herl Day and wife Alma Castillo of San Jose, Calif., a daughter, Brandee Harrison of Great Bend; a step daughter, Shawna Farley and husband Chris of Dallas, Texas, and a stepson, Chad Suppes and wife Keri of Hays; his siblings, Vickie Herl of Great Bend, Vic “Joe” Herl, Jr. and wife Rena of Arizona, Valerie Hartle and husband Allen of North Carolina, James “Jim” Herl of Wichita, Jerry Herl of North Dakota and Vanessa McCormick and husband Mike of Ohio; seven grandchildren, John E. Herl Day, Breelee Harrison, Brooklee Harrison, Baislee Harrison, Brittany Kozura, Kaitlyn Suppes and Kale Suppes; three step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021, with Vigil service held at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will be in Great Bend Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to the John W. Herl Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 5, 2021