Nebraska Autobody Association
Hall of Fame

Herbert Lubben

Herbert Lubben graduated from Nebraska's Carleton High School in 1928. He spent many years farming with his father. In the early 40's Herb made a decision to enter another occupation. He attended, and on April 16, 1940, became a graduate of Stevensons Auto and Electric School in Kansas City, Missouri. Herb returned to the South Central Nebraska area and procceded with his new career as a "body & fender man." Herb worked for the Ford dealership located in Fairbury in 1944 and 1945. Herb returned to the Carleton area where he fine-tuned his repair skills during the years of 1947 and 1948. Mr. Lubben was becoming well Known for his perfection. Demand for his skill was the determining factor for his relocation in Hebron, Nebraska. He co-occupied a building with Leland Scmidt. Then in 1956, purchased a long and narrow tile block building on Main Street. For a period of 8 years, Herb operated Hebron Body Shop from this location. Due to his popular metal working skills, and the fact the public was driving more, Herb realized he had outgrown this building, and in 1964, Herb and his wife Jeanne purchased a much larger building, a former Chrysler dealership in the heart of Hebron's downtown business area. This move proved to be a wise choice for Herb and his family. Mr. Lubben continued as part of the Hebron business community until his retirement in 1976. He sold his body shop to his employees and they continued with the banner name of Herb's popular "Hebron Body Shop."

Upon retiring, Herb continued with his hobbies of raising bucket calves and working on his Model T and 1940 Ford Coupe on his acreage on the outskirts of Hebron. He enjoyed spending time with the families of his four daughters - Donna, Linda, Sue Ellen, Susan, and his grand children. The kind, quiet gentleman passed away in 1989.

To this day, a body shop exists at this same location.

Inducted March 31, 2001

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