Killmeyer

With deep love and sorrow, the family of Herbert F. Killmeyer Jr. announces his peaceful passing Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Los Gatos, Calif., at the age of 91.

Born July 11, 1933, in Butler, to parents, Herbert F. Killmeyer Sr. and Hazel (Nebel) Killmeyer, Herbert was a man of quiet strength, deep faith and enduring devotion to his parents and family.

Herbert attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vt. Following two years of study, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country. He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base in Merced, Calif., where he met the love of his life, Beverley Ann Klemesrud, playing bridge with friends. On Sept. 11, 1955, he married his forever sweetheart, Beverley, and began their life together at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine, as navigator in the Strategic Air Command (SAC), home to the 101st Air Refueling Wing.

Herbert proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1957 as captain and principal duty navigator, flying TDY (Temporary Duty) missions in North Africa, Greenland, England and France. His military service continued when they moved to Campbell, Calif., and he served with the California 129th Air Commando Squadron of the Air National Guard, from 1958 until 1965.

After his military service, Herbert built a respected career in civil engineering and land surveying. He worked for Coburn, Pleum & Eckstine Consulting Engineers in Los Altos, Calif., and later founded his own successful land surveying company. Over the course of more than four decades, he helped shape the Santa Clara Valley, surveying countless homes, shopping centers and stadiums that became lasting parts of the community. Most notably, the Stanford Linear Accelerator in Palo Alto, and commercial sites of what would become the pioneer firms of Silicon Valley.

Herbert had a deep love for California’s natural beauty and history. A proud member of the Mount Diablo Surveyors Historical Society and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, he enjoyed studying and preserving the heritage of the land he worked.

He loved exploring the Sierra Nevada, especially Pinecrest, where he often walked the trails of those who came before us — finding peace and inspiration in the same paths once traveled by his ancestors.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Beverley Ann Klemesrud; two sisters, Nancy McNelis (Peter) and Sandra Kran (Michael); three daughters, Bethann Heath (Tim), Kathy Killmeyer Temby (Myles) and Kristy Hendrycks (Paul); eight wonderful grandchildren; and 15 beautiful great-grandchildren.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert F. Killmeyer Sr. and Hazel (Nebel) Killmeyer; and siblings, Eileen Mickley, Donald Killmeyer, Jean Dewhurst and Joan Krahe.

He found joy in singing, reading, fly fishing, smoking his pipe and sharing quiet moments in nature with those he loved. Family road trips to national parks were among his greatest pleasures, and he passed on to future generations a profound appreciation for history, nature and togetherness. Herbert also was a very proud San Francisco Giants fan and enjoyed many family outings at the ballpark.

Herbert F. Killmeyer Jr. lived a life of purpose, legacy and love. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

KILLMEYER — A public memorial service for Herbert F. Killmeyer Jr., who died Tuesday, May 6, 2025, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 23, at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, San Jose, Calif., and a private graveside memorial will follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, Santa Clara.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sierra Club and St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.