Hershel was born February 12, 1932 to Raymond and Luella Nuzum in Logan, IA. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High school in Council Bluffs, IA in 1951. After high school, Hershel joined the Navy serving on the USS Agerholm Destroyer during the Korean war until 1955.
He married Betty Lorraine Andersen on August 31, 1958 and together they had three children. He received his BS in Education from UNO in 1961 and his Masters of Science in Secondary Educational Administration in 1977. He spent 25 years teaching high school history, Driver's Education and coaching wrestling and football in schools in Iowa and Nebraska.
Hershel married Janice Petersen on June 13, 1980. The couple moved to western Nebraska in 1981 where Hershel worked as a high school Principal. In 1986, they returned to live in Hooper. Hershel worked as an insurance agent for Farmers Insurance Group and in 1996 as a bus driver for Fremont Public schools, retiring in 2007.
Hershel was an avid Nebraska Football fan and loved following wrestling. He enjoyed going to movies, watching classic westerns and the Johnny Carson Show.
Hershel is survived by daughters Vicki of Houston, TX, Cindy (Del) Gustafson of Waukee, IA; son Rodney (Monique) of Vancouver, WA; stepsons Bradley (MaryAnn) Petersen of Herman and Barry Petersen of Uehling; stepdaughter Brenda (Gary) Wheeler of Hooper; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers William (Bonnie) Nuzum; Larry (Velma) Nuzum all of Council Bluffs; sister Kay (Tom) Gibson of Chipley Florida.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Janice, brothers Arnold, Joe and Wally; sisters Rachel Mahoney, Doris DeConnick, Ramona Hoffschneider and Rosetta Aten.
Controlled visitation will be Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at Ludvigsen's Hooper Funeral Chapel in Hooper from 4pm to 7pm. A private family funeral will be held on Thursday, with the service to be livestreamed beginning at 10:30am (go to www.hooper-scribner.com and click on Hershel's name). Family burial will be in Swaburg Baptist Cemetery south of Uehling with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to the Logan View Jr. Wrestling program.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
A recording of the service can be found at the following youtube link:
https://youtu.be/H1ovoLLkxF0
Condolences(8)
Kimi Parker
Kansas City, MO Thursday, June 11, 2020 Beautiful service. I wish I was there but know my heart is with you all.Kevin Christensen
Johnston, IA Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Cindy,I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Bruce Bartels
fremknt, NE Tuesday, June 9, 2020 I always enjoyed visiting with Hershel. He was part of some great LV memories. Blessings and Peace. Bruce BartelsAnnette Wesely Shaughnessy
, NY Tuesday, June 9, 2020 My most vivid memory was in Drivers Ed when I didn't stop at a stop sign at a country road intersection in the middle of no where and Mr. Nuzum used his brake on the passenger side to stop me. I didn't understand why I couldn't get the car to move. We sat and argued for a long time about why I should stop even though not another soul was around for miles to see. Mr. Nuzum won in the end. A lesson learned that most likely saved my life many times.May his soul have eternal rest.
Melissa Nickens-Harris
Omaha, NE Monday, June 8, 2020 I have so many fond memories Hershel. Driver's Ed, staying after school for Wrestling Practice. Rest easy Mr. Nuzum. My thoughts and prayers are with the Family.Larry Brink
, NE Monday, June 8, 2020 I have great memories teaching with Hersh at Logan View. Condolences to his family.Larry Brink
Joel Willnerd
Omaha, NE Monday, June 8, 2020 To all the family my condolences I have some great memories when Hershel taught me in class, wrestling and drivers ed. The last time him and I visited we had some good laughs, he will be missed by all who knew him.Rod Nuzum
Vancouver, WA Sunday, June 7, 2020 Rest easy Dad. I'll see you again and we can talk sports. Thank you for getting me into Wrestling. It's been a lifelong passion and the values it taught me has made life easy when faced with adversity. My most fond memories is when I was coaching wrestling at Boy's Town and you came to every tournament. Those kids at Boys Town loved you. We love you Dad and you'll be missed.