Dr. Francis C. Hertzog Jr.

Dr. Francis C. Hertzog, Jr. 1925 - 2011 Francis C. Hertzog, Jr., M.D., a prominent eye physician and surgeon in Long Beach for over 50 years, passed away on February 16, 2011 following a spirited battle with Parkinson's disease. "Red" Hertzog was born in Aurora, CO on April 10, 1925 to Dr. Francis C. Hertzog, Sr. (of Pittsburgh, PA) and Haldis Sundre Hertzog (of Al, Norway). His family included many physicians, including his grandfather, father, four sons, one grandson, one nephew and one daughter-in-law. Dr. Hertzog graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. He served 6 years in the regular Navy, including 1-year in China, where he served on each of its four largest rivers (Yangtze, Hai Ho, Yellow and Pearl). In 1944, he served on the battleship New York as a powderman in the #2 turret in the Atlantic. During this period he was quartered with the future U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his classmate at Annapolis with whom he shared a lasting friendship. Dr. Hertzog graduated from the University of Southern California, School of Medicine in 1954 and remained there to complete his residency in ophthalmic surgery. He brought the first ophthalmic laser to Southern California in 1964, successfully treating a retinal tear. Dr. Hertzog was chairman and organizer of the first major International Intraocular Implant Lens Conference in 1974, sponsored by the University of California, Irvine at the Long Beach Memorial Hospital Medical Center, which was attended by 350 surgeons. During his career he performed several thousand intraocular lens implantations. At the USC-Doheny Eye Institute, he obtained the rank of emeritus clinical professor of ophthalmology after 55 years of teaching eye residents there. This was his proudest professional achievement. He was licensed as a commercial pilot and flew avidly for 57 years. He also served 47 years as an aviation medical examiner for the FAA. He was an enthusiastic cattleman and spent a great deal of time with his family at Rio Ynez Ranch in Rio Ynez Valley. A family man in all respects, Red Hertzog was a committed husband and father. He raised his 5 sons to be Eagle Scouts He is survived by Nancy, his loving and dedicated wife of over 60 years; and 7 children, Fritz, Hertzog (Jacqueline), Heidi Stokke (Michael), Tor Hertzog (Kellie), Leif Hertzog (Kimberly), Erik Hertzog (Roxanne), Lars Hertzog (Michelle) and Katerina Bohannon (Jeremiah); 17 grandchildren; and nephews, Fox Boswell (Jan) and Carter Boswell, Jr. (Rifka). He also leaves his wonderful and beloved secretary of 39 years, Kris Burnier; and his faithful Dachshund, Schnaps. He thanks Sean Miller and F&M Bank, as well as his attorney, Kosta George, for their care and guidance. The Hertzog family wishes to thank to Red's physician, DR. Gene Ray Bouch, as well as his 2 loyal caregivers, Denni Sanchez and Gil Carlos for their support and kindness as well as the entire staff at the Bel Vista Convalescent Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Doheny Eye Institute, 1450 San Pablo St., DEI-3050, Los Angeles, CA 90033-4697. No funeral services will be held. All Souls Mortuary (562) 424-8601 www.allsoulsmortuary.com