Herbert W. Tauchen

Herbert W. Tauchen, age 96, of Bonduel, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, September 23, 2026.
Herbert was born on June 22, 1930, and was raised on a small dairy farm in Dorchester, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of five children born to Vincent and Anna Tauchen. The values he learned growing up on the farm—hard work, humility, faith, and devotion to family—remained at the center of his life.
Herbert attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education and Science. It was there that he met Marlys Cobian, who would become his wife and lifelong partner. They married in 1952 and shared 74 years of marriage, building a remarkable life centered on family, faith, farming, and community. Herb was a devoted and generous husband who cared deeply for Marlys throughout their life together.
Herb began his professional career in 1952 as a student trainee with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. A trained soil conservationist, he worked for two years in Barron County and seven years in Waupaca County before moving to Shawano County in 1962 to serve as district conservationist for Shawano and Menominee counties. Throughout his career, he worked closely with farmers to plan and implement conservation practices, combining his professional knowledge with his lifelong understanding and love of agriculture. He retired from the USDA in 1985 to devote himself full-time to farming.
Farming was far more than an occupation for Herb; it was part of who he was. From modest beginnings, Herb and Marlys built their farm into a large and successful family dairy operation. Their children grew up immersed in farm life, with all of them participating in 4-H and FFA livestock and other projects. Sons Gary, Alan, Stephen, and Gregory became part of the family dairy business. Herb took great pride in what the family built together and in seeing the values of hard work and stewardship of the land carried forward to another generation.
Herb’s commitment extended well beyond his own farm. He believed deeply in serving his community. Over the years, he served as chairman of the Bonduel High School Agricultural Advisory Board, as a member of the Bonduel School Board, and on the Sacred Heart Parish Council. He served 10 years on the Shawano County Board, including eight years as chairman. He was elected a director of Wisconsin Counties Mutual Insurance Company and served as its president for five years. He also served as a director and vice president of the Wisconsin Counties Association. In addition, he contributed his time and leadership to numerous Shawano County committees, agricultural cooperatives, and farm organizations.
For all that Herb accomplished, however, those who knew him will remember him most for the man he was. He was kind and generous, hardworking yet humble, and deeply devoted to his family. His Catholic faith was an important and personal part of his life and helped guide the way he lived and served others.
Family gatherings were among the great constants of Herb and Marlys’ life together. Their home was the gathering place for every major holiday, filled with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, conversation, laughter, and the joyful noise that comes with a very large family. Herb often seemed content to quietly take it all in, watching the activity around him and occasionally adding one of the witty, perfectly timed observations for which his family knew him so well.
Herb and Marlys raised ten children: Gary, Debra, Marie, Alan, Dennis, Teresa, Stephen, Gregory, Catherine, and Jeffrey. His family grew to include 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, and the family he and Marlys created remained one of the greatest joys and accomplishments of his life.
Herb is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Marlys; his children, Gary of Bonduel, Debra (Bob) Manhart of Florida, Marie (Eric) Blechman of Florida, Dennis (Kim) of Indiana, Stephen (Jill) of Bonduel, Gregory of Bonduel, Catherine (Klaus) Uedelhofen of De Pere, and Jeffrey (Michelle) of Illinois; son-in-law, Brian Gutenberger; 22 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Arlene and Sharon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Anna Tauchen; his brothers, Myron and Gerald; his son, Alan; his daughter, Teresa Gutenberger; his grandson, Dustin White; and son-in-law, Jerry White (Debra’s late husband).
Herb leaves behind a legacy that can be seen not only in the farm he helped build, the land he helped conserve, and the community he faithfully served, but most importantly in the generations of family who follow him. His kindness, generosity, humility, faith, and quiet humor will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Fr. Edward Looney will be the Celebrant. Visitation will begin at 9 am at the church and continue until the time of Mass. Private entombment will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Mausoleum in Shawano.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic School and Masses in Herbert’s memory.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.