Herbert J. Backhus, 84, died Sept. 12, 2008, at Hillsboro Community Medical Center, Hillsboro.

Born June 25, 1924, near Tampa, he was one of 12 children born to John and Helena (Ottensmeier) Backhus.

He worked on the family farm until the mid-1950s when he began working at the Marion County Co-Op at Tampa.

On March 21, 1957, he married Ida Schmidt. She died in 1991.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Erwin, Emil, Adolph, and Edwin; and sister, Wilma Nunn.

Survivors include three brothers, Harry Backhus of Leavenworth, John Backhus of Enterprise, and Wilbert Backhus of Tampa; three sisters, Elma Meyer and Frieda Bentz, both of Tampa and Ella Heidemann of Decatur, Ill.; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday morning at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tampa, with the Rev. Clark Davis officiating.

A memorial fund has been established with the church.