Joseph Richard Herzer

Obituary of Joseph Richard Herzer

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Joseph Richard Herzer, born in South Bend, Indiana on March 7,1930 and passed away peacefully January 8, 2026. He was the cherished son of Joseph and Frieda Fellerman Herzer.

An alumnus of Central High School in South Bend. He had passion for scouting that began at an early age, as he became an Eagle Scout and remained actively involved as a Cub Master and volunteer throughout his sons' scouting years. He earned the double bronze palm and was elected to the Brotherhood of the Order of the Arrow, as well as being a member of DeMolay, where he served as Master Councilor in the Chevaliers.

During the Korean Conflict, Joseph proudly served in the U.S. Marine Air Wing as a radio operator, completing missions in Korea where he received the Air Medal after his plane went down on an enemy island and was rescued by helicopter. He later returned to the States and was part of Operation Desert Rock where he observed an atomic explosion and later surveyed and filmed the effects of the blast.

After his honorable discharge, in 1953 he married his true love Mary Ann Ivins in Niles, Michigan where they had their first son, Joseph Richard Jr.

Joseph pursued his artistic passion, graduating from the School of Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design. While in Chicago a second son, Frederick Scott, was born.

In 1959 he moved his family to Fort Worth and started his long career in interior design, initially with Frank Guse and Associates. A third son, Gregory Alan, was born shortly thereafter. In 1961 he became Interior Designer for Blackmon-Mooring Company and eventually formed his own firm in 1971 with his wife, Joseph R Herzer and Associates.

During his career, he received several awards in the field and was renowned for his contributions to the design of homes and office buildings, particularly in the Fort Worth area and along the Texas coast. He was instrumental in the complete renovation of the Fort Worth Club and served on the board of the American Society of Interior Designers.

An avid athlete, Joseph loved sports, playing golf, tennis, and later, racquetball well into his 80s. He was deeply involved in his sons' activities, volunteering as a coach for their Little League baseball teams.

A dedicated member of St. Andrew Catholic Church since 1959, Joseph served as President of the St. Andrew School Board and Parish Council and was one of the first Eucharistic Ministers appointed by Bishop Delaney.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and son Gregory. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann; sons, Joseph and Frederick and his wife Michelle; sister, Nora Bumb and her husband Charles; grandchildren, Ashley Seher, Amanda Herzer, and their mother, Martha Herzer, and Stephen Herzer and his wife Mariah; and his great granddaughter, Sophia.

Special thanks to his caregivers: Jayna Sosland, Francis Hatter and the staff at Community Hospice.

His quiet demeanor, exemplary character, and contributions to his community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Punching Out Parkinson's (punchingoutparkinsons.org).

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, 3312 Dryden Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76109 with a reception following at the family home.

Interment: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75211.