EVERSON, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The namesake of an Everson dining institution has died.

Herb Niemann passed away on Saturday at the age of 84, according to owners Matt and Angel Goering.

Born in Germany, Niemann immigrated to Canada as a teenager and earned his Chef’s Diploma while serving as an apprentice with Canadian Pacific Hotels.

Niemann purchased his eponymous Steak and Schnitzel House from his brother Jack in 2000 after opening several other restaurants across Washington and B.C.

Herb held down the kitchen while his wife, Susan, ran the front-of-house for 17 years before they handed over the keys to the Goerings.

Niemann is survived by his wife and two sons, as well as his beloved dog.