An NIU building services foreman, regarded by his co-workers and friends as a hard worker and a man who was conscious about health problems, died Feb. 14 doing what made him happiest—working.

Herbert P. Plapp, 71, NIU ‘s building services foreman for the last eight years, died last week at Kishwaukee Community Hospital of a heart attack.

Plapp began working for the university on March 16, 1978 as a building services workman and was promoted to foreman Oct. 16, 1981.

Keith Strutz, superintendent of building services, said, “He was just a genuine, hard-working, personable man who cared a great deal about NIU. He was one of the most dependable people around—very dedicated. He came here when he was 60 and gave 150 percent everyday.”

He added, “He was very health conscious, always concerned about what he was eating and drinking.”

Plapp’s youngest daughter, Manette, said, “He wouldn’t have been happy unless he was working. He didn’t want to retire. He cared about his work, and he cared about people.

“All of the people who came to the visitation service talked about how much he loved his work.”

Co-worker Ed Heiston said Plapp “was a very decent person and liked to work a lot.”

Plapp had worked at Kishwaukee Community Hospital and had also been a farmer prior to working for NIU.

Plapp is survived by his wife, Odessa, four daughters and two sisters.