Herbert “Herb” Wignall
Herbert “Herb” Wignall was born on November 27,1923 in
Philadelphia, PA and peacefully passed away August 5, 2022 at the age of 98. He was a resident of Pearland, TX for 40 years and was formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Barrington, IL, and Oklahoma City, OK. He was known for his happy disposition, his smile, and his ability to entertain with a humorous joke or story at any given moment or in any situation.
Herb served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and was
stationed in Washington, D.C. at the Army War College. It was there that he met Milli Knauer, his future wife of 71 years, who was working as an illustrator for the Department of Education. After the war they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where they raised three children, Laura, Thomas and James.
Herbert was of the Presbyterian faith and was a lifelong member of Masons. He was also an avid golfer, which defined many of Herb and Milli’s excursions with friends. As a couple they organized “The Beer Can Open,” complete with prizes and trophies, and took their friendly competition to golf courses around the country. He was a 39-year member of Golfcrest County Club in Pearland.
Herb worked for Link-Belt Speeder/FMC for 37 years managing their service departments. He was known for his training programs for service managers, often characterized by innovative techniques and humor. He was involved in the construction phase of the Alaskan Pipeline and travelled globally for work. After taking early retirement he worked briefly in Oklahoma City before taking a management position with Bado Equipment Co. in Houston. He continued as a private consultant after his second retirement.
A graduate of the Milton Hershey Business School, Herb was indebted to the mission of the Milton Hershey Foundation and supported it through his love of anything chocolate as long as it was a Hershey product.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Mildred (Milli) Wignall; his parents, Herbert and Laura Wignall; sisters: Mary Wignall, and Laura Wignall.
He leaves behind his daughter, Laura Rovang, husband Philip; sons Tom Wignall, wife Mary, and Jim Wignall, wife Kären; nine
grandchildren: Dana Rovang Cornell, Megan Rovang Bench, Alex Rovang, Zachary Wignall, Timothy Wignall, Caitlin Wignall Reed, Erin Wignall Han, Julia Wignall Smith and Spencer Wignall; and six great grandchildren.
The family requests no flowers and that memorials be made in his name to the Milton Hershey Foundation, Hershey, PA.
I will miss you, Unc Unc. You were such a huge influence in my family’s lives. I’m so sad you’re no longer with us on Earth, but I hope you’re with Virge, Jinny and Millie and you’re all laughing and dancing. Maybe playing lots of golf and giving each other grief. I will love you forever. You and your entire family are my family. Rest In Peace, Uncle Herb. I will miss you, but so nice that you’re no longer in pain. Love, Suzy
Herb was a great boss to work for at Link-Belt. From the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to the East Coast, I enjoyed his guidance. I remember a side trip with Herb and Milli to the Harbor House on the C and D Canal in Delaware we ended the evening having champagne on the deck of a DuPont yacht in the harbor. Herb treated the District Reps special if you did your job!