Colton R. Herbert

Colton Robert Herbert, born March 3, 2000, the youngest of four children to Brian and Dawn Herbert, was called home to our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Always adventurous with a passion for life, Colton lived a lifetime in his 26 years. He grew up in Cedarburg where he attended Cedarburg High school, playing trombone in the marching band, volleyball and tennis, and volunteered his time to help with Portal Prom and coach Special Olympics volleyball. Colton discovered his love for the environment his senior year, which led him to the Marquette University Opus College of Engineering where he earned his BS degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. As an undergraduate at Marquette, Colton spent countless hours in the water-quality lab, working alongside students and professors from across the globe, co-authoring two published papers on anaerobic digestion and fostering lifelong friendships. While dedicated to work and school, Colton always found time for fun. He loved hanging out with friends, hiking, skiing, running, traveling and playing in pep and jazz bands.

Then came the diagnosis- DSRCT – five letters that would alter the course of the rest of his life. Days turned from studying and carefree college life to doctor appointments, chemo and radiation treatments. But it was through his sarcoma diagnosis that brought Colton to his good friend and mentor, Dr. Mike Lovell, who shared a similar diagnosis. It was through this friendship that Colton found his steadfast faith and the profound love of Jesus.

Beyond school and his many accomplishments, Colton was happiest spending time with family, his dog Charlie, and his many friends. Colton genuinely loved getting to know people- coworkers, nurses, doctors, strangers – and always had a bright smile and kind word to offer. His kindness, curiosity, humor, and zest for life will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though his time here was far too short, the impact Colton made on the people around him was lasting, and he will be deeply loved and missed.

Colton is survived by his parents, Brian and Dawn Herbert (née Gundlach); sisters, Cassie Duesing, and Leah Herbert; brother and sister-in-law, Wyatt and Olivia Herbert; nephew, Korrigan Smith. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless treasured friends who will carry his love and memory always.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Colton’s life at First Immanuel Lutheran Church W67N622 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Visitation from 12:30 to 2:30p.m., service to follow.