Herbert R. Culver

Herbert R. Culver, 89, of Cassopolis, Michigan, died Thursday morning, October 9, 2014, at Kindred Hospital, Mishawaka. He was born June 30, 1925 in Westhampton, New York to Herbert and Katharine (Hallock) Culver, Sr. He married Marilyn Cassin Sept. 12, 1948. She died Nov. 26, 2008. He later married Tonya Siddikova in Dec. 2013. She survives along with four sons, Russell Barney Culver, Gilbert, Ariz., Burton (Alene) Culver, Elkhart, Herbert Culver III, Deer, Ark., and Wes (Val) Culver, Goshen; two daughters, Julie (Tim) Rouch, Three Rivers, Mich. and Nancy Culver, Bonita Springs, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Warren, Lawrence, Kan. and Hallock Culver, Westhampton, NY; and a sister, Marian Phillips, Westhampton, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, a grandson, Chad Culver; a brother, Arthur Culver and a sister, Amy Terry. A fourth generation duck producer, Mr. Culver moved to Indiana in 1959 with 20 ducks. In 1970 he moved his entire operation to Middlebury. Culver Duck is family owned and operated. It is now a fully integrated duck producer, including breeding stock, hatchery, contract growers and USDA processing facility, producing fresh and frozen duck and duck products that are marketed throughout the US and internationally. They are the second largest duck producer in the US, with over 5 million ducks sold per year with 260 employees and a hundred local contract growers. Cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory. The family will celebrate his life by receiving friends Sat., Oct. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at his lake home, 22058 Lake St., Cassopolis. Memorial contributions may be given to the Hadley School for the Blind, 700 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093.