Funeral services for Joey Roger Herbst of Owatonna will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 15, at the LeSueur River Lutheran Church, rural New Richland. The Revs. Charles Espe and Cary Larson will officiate. Visitation will be, held Wednesday evening from 4 until 8 at the Friedrich Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the St. Olaf Cemetery, New Richland.

Joey died Sunday morning at his home in Owatonna. He was 31 years of age.

Joey was born June 19, 1974, in Waseca, the son of Roger and Vicki (Purdie) Herbst. He was a

graduate of New Richland High School and the vocational technical institute in Albert Lea.

Joey was an active member of the LeSueur River Lutheran Church where he was an usher, member of the church council and a youth advisor. He was employed for the past 11 years as a route driver for Sampson Dairy. Joey loved John Deere tractors and had taken on the nick name of &8220;John Deere Joe.&8221; He enjoyed NASCAR and was a big fan of Mark Noble Racing. Joey also had a love for Minnesota sports including the Gophers and the Vikings.

Joey is survived by his special friend Jane Dettmer of Owatonna; his father Roger Herbst and special friend Barb Byrne of Ellendale; sister Jenne Herbst and her husband Stewart Presson of Apex, N.C.; niece Caitlin Taylor; grandparents Ardean &8220;Don&8221; Purdie-Douma of Mankato and

Russell &8220;Luella&8221; Herbst of New Richland. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Joey was preceded in death by his mother Vicki in 2000 and grandfather Loren (Brownie) Purdie in 1991.