Douglas “Doug” J. Herda

Douglas "Doug" Herda, 79, of Torrance, California, passed away suddenly on August 4, 2025, due to complications related to his history of Parkinson's disease. He was born on February 8, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Ralph and Marge Herda.

Doug lived life with energy and passion. Restless by nature, he poured himself fully into everything he did. During one summer break after leaving Hewlett-Packard (HP), he built two backyard decks. Doug took flying lessons and loved the feeling of flight, a joy that reflected his love of adventure.

Doug loved music, playing guitar and ukulele, singing, and dancing. In college, he performed in church variety shows. He also enjoyed basketball and playing the card game Sheepshead with friends.

Travel was one of his greatest passions. Doug believed that by learning about different cultures, people could better understand one another and see how much we all share in common. His adventures took him to Machu Picchu, Turkey, China, India, Egypt, Israel, and many other historic and awe-inspiring places.

Doug was a lifelong learner. He was a math/philosophy major, and his bookcases were filled with books on spirituality and philosophy. Doug was on a spiritual journey his entire life. After retiring, Doug picked up new hobbies like playing the ukulele and pickleball, he joined Omnilore (a lifelong learning group), took acting classes and performed in a play, biked along the strand, kayaked, and started line dancing twice a week.

Family was Doug's greatest passion. He loved being married and being a father. Summers were filled with camping trips, family adventures to NASA Space Camp, Disneyland and Disney World, Yellowstone, Hawaii, and visits to Wisconsin and Seattle. His daughters inherited his curiosity and love of travel, something he was especially proud of.

Doug's career reflected his curiosity and strong work ethic. He studied for the priesthood before attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he also played some college football. He worked a variety of jobs, including as a garbage collector during college, which he spoke of fondly, before moving into the world of computers. Doug worked in sales and programming at Burroughs, then built a long career at Hewlett-Packard where he spent 23 years before transitioning into aerospace at Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. While working at Lockheed-Martin, he studied to get his Master's degree in computer Systems Engineering at San Jose State University.

Although Doug was naturally an introvert, once he felt comfortable, he was lively, humorous, and deeply engaging. His adventurous spirit, his blue eyes that lit up in conversation, and his ability to make people feel happy in his presence will be remembered by all who knew him.

Doug had many proud accomplishments. He had a strong work ethic and found success in his career at both Hewlett-Packard and in the aerospace industry. But more than professional success, what Doug was most proud of was his family. As restless as he was by nature, he settled down once he was married and had children. He found true joy in being a husband and a father, and he was happiest being a "family man".

Doug is survived by his wife Rosemary, his daughter Stacie, siblings Gordy (Connie) Herda, Mary (Jim) Howitt, Maggie (George) Rische, and Ed (Deb) Herda; his sister-in-law Gail Herda, wife of his late brother Ken Herda; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Marge Herda, his brother Ken, and his beloved daughter Courtney.

Doug would want to be remembered as a kind soul, a loyal friend, and a family man. He was admired and loved by many, and his passing leaves a brightness missing in the lives of all who knew him.

A private graveside service will be held in Wisconsin at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in Doug's name.

Doug, you have had your adventures and traveled many miles. Now, as you join your beloved daughter Courtney, it is your time to rest in peace.