Steven Clark “Beaker” Herbst, 65, of West Salem, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 27, 2026.  He was born to Virginia (Hollenback) and Donald Martin Herbst on June 2, 1961, in Dubuque, IA, the 7th of 9 children.

He married Judy Kay Klein on September 3, 1983, in Dubuque, IA.  Their daughter, Ashley, was born on December 9, 1985.

Beaker was known for his master craft of commercial floor installing, specifically his talent with tile.  If you’ve been in a Target in the mid-west, Beaker had done the flooring.

He had a huge love for racing and NASCAR, having served on the pit crew for his nephew, J. Herbst.  He also loved cruising around in his Camaro with his daughter listening to hair bands, and watching her play hockey.

He will be remembered for his laugh, his smile, and his great sense of humor, that he still had up until the end.   Beaker could light up a room and make you feel so much better by his just having been there.  He will be greatly missed.

Beaker is survived by his daughter, Ashley Bohl; his grandchildren, Autumn (Braeden), and Layne; his brothers, John, Terry (Marie), Tom, Donnie (Trish), and Randy; his sisters, Victoria (Steve) Kelly, Lynn (Jim) Erntz, and Nancy Allen; and many nieces and nephews.   He is also survived by his former in-laws, Diane (Rog), Jeanette (Donald), Lloyd (Cathy), Charlie (Pam), Mary (Wayne), Denny, and Karen. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his former sister-in-law Michelle Herbst, his former brother-in-law Kevin Arnold, and his nephews Robbie Herbst, Chad Herbst, and Greg Wardle.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Fredrickson Funeral Homes, 121 N. Youlon Street, West Salem.  Rev. Barb Roush will officiate. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home.  Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Nick’s Bar, W4000 County Rd M, West Salem, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Driftless Recovery in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please know that help is available. Call or text 988 for support and resources.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences can be left at www.fredricksonfuneralhomes.com.