Thomas Robert Hertzog

Thomas R. Hertzog

July 21, 1953 – January 30, 2025

Thomas “Tom” Robert Hertzog, age 71, of Alexandria, died Thursday, January 30, 2025, unexpectedly at his home after suffering a heart attack. Tom was born July 21, 1953, in Winsted, Minnesota to Paul and Florence (Krekelberg) Hertzog. 

He graduated from Melrose High School in 1972 and went on to serve his country in the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles” Division of the U.S. Army. Tom sacrificed a wrestling scholarship to SCSU to serve his country. On October 20, 1973, he married the love of his life, Deborah Stalboerger. They raised two amazing children, Brian and Amy. After raising his children, Tom decided to pursue his passion, returned to school and completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling. He graduated from SCSU in December 2011. His dedication to his profession helped numerous clients. Even after retiring, Tom continued to receive messages from those he had impacted. 

Tom was involved in many organizations including Financial Officer of American Legion Post 527, Millerville, MN; Board Member of Douglas County Pheasants Forever; Viking Sportsmen’s Club and 3rd Degree Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, took several trips to South Dakota pheasant hunting with his wife, Deb, and yellow lab hunting companion Isabelle “Izzy.” Tom was born with a great sense of humor, was quick witted, and had a heart of gold. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved teaching them all that he knew…hunting, fishing, water sports, to name a few, and enjoyed spending every minute with them. There was a synergy between Tom and Deb. They had so much fun together by attending live concerts, family vacations, sitting around the campfires, enjoying sunsets, and being on the water. They were like two complementary forces that perfectly balanced each other. 

Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah (Stalboerger) Hertzog and two children, Brian (Jenny) Hertzog of Boston, MA and Amy Hertzog of Otsego, MN, and five grandchildren, Phoebe Hertzog, Isaac Hertzog, Henry Hertzog, Blake Gauer and Brandon Gauer. Tom is also survived by his oldest Sister, Joan Kegler; Brother in laws and Sister in laws, John (Alice) Stalboerger, Jane (Dave) Johnson, Bonnie (Rich) Meyer, Doreen (Jim) Meyer, Doris Stalboerger, Patty Stalboerger, Glen (Pat) Stalboerger and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was proceeded in death by his parents; Sister, Donna Cochran and Brother, Lowell Hertzog; Father/Mother in law, Quirin and Rita Stalboerger; Brother in laws, Ray Kegler, Gordon Cochran, Jim Stalboerger and Tony Stalboerger; Sister in laws, Connie Hertzog and Marilyn Stalboerger. Nephew, John Meyer; Nieces, Tricia (Meyer) Murtley and Linda Kegler.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to American Legion Post #527 of Millerville, Knights of Columbus, Douglas County Pheasants Forever and Viking Sportsmens Club.