Herbert "Herb" Henry Wiese

Oakwood – Herbert “Herb” Henry Wiese passed away and quietly transitioned into the great gig in the sky on April 7, 2024, surrounded by family and love. 

Herb was born in Danville, Illinois on February 28, 1942, the second of three boys born to Henry and Helen Wiese, who commonly referred to him as “our favorite child” which was consistent with each of his brothers referring to him as “my favorite brother.”  Herb married Beverly (Lewis) in 1962. She preceded him in death along with his parents, grandparents, brother Don Wiese, his aunts, uncles and many cousins, as well as Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and millions of other folks he never met. 

Herb is survived by his partner of 28 years, Ila Hillard, his son Greg (Michele) Wiese, daughter Julie (Vernon) Lorenz, grandchildren Sarah Lorenz (Andre Roy), Christian Lorenz (Josieanne Griffin), Samantha Wiese, sister-in-law Paula Mauck, and his bonus family, Kimberly (Tony) Graham, Nicole Gouty (Ken Thrasher), Ila's 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, his brother Howard Wiese, nephews Donnie Wiese, Matt Wiese, Doug Wiese, cousins Bob (Terry) Wiese, Sharon Wiese and many special friends. 

After finishing up at Schlarman High School, Herb embarked on an incredible life.  As a young teenager, Herb was already a professional musician. Spice, Herb’s band, played for thousands of eager fans throughout the years. Spice played in every bar and venue in Illinois/Indiana for 25 years. Following their “opening gigs” for Wayne Newton, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson, the band returned home to finish out their final days of playing.  Of course, those “opening gigs” were just figments of Herb’s imagination, but the band really did make his life worthwhile. Herb gives special kudos to his keyboard player and best friend, Harlan “Punky” Ice. They made great music together even after the band stopped playing.

Herb was President/Owner of Herb Wiese Distributing Co until his retirement on October 10, 1988. Herb bought the company from his mentor and dear friend, Glen Altman, in 1977 just as Miller Lite was catching fire.  Herb rode that wave of consumer enthusiasm until he retired. When Herb bought the distributorship, “his” beer was on tap in only a handful of taverns/restaurants. When Herb retired, Miller Lite was served in all 168 draft beer accounts in Vermilion County.  That is a testament to Herb’s work ethic, vision, and genius.  Herb gave his business all he had so his retirement at 46 was sweet.

In the end, all that need be said is Herb was a good and decent man. He was loved deeply by his partner, Ila, his family and his bonus family. He has earned his rest and rest well he will. We are thankful we shared with him the same short moment that is life.  

A service to celebrate the life of Herb Wiese will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Private Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM prior to the service on Saturday, also at Sunset in Danville.

Please join Herb’s family in sharing memories, photos, and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

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