Herbert Wignall
Herbert “Herb” Wignall ’42, 98, passed away on August 5, 2022. He was the husband of the late Mildred (Milli) Wignall.
He 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 memorial be made in his name to the Milton Hershey Foundation, Hershey, PA.