David Hertzfeldt

David Hertzfeldt

Seek the Lord, and his strength; seek his face evermore…Psalm 105.4

David "Dave" Neal Hertzfeldt, 63, died peacefully on October 3, 2025, with family at his side. David was born in Hammond, Ind., his middle name derived from his Mother's Obstetrician's last name. He was the youngest of four children born to William and Delores Hertzfeldt. He was preceded in death by his parents.

David is survived by his siblings, brother, William Jr. (Alice Stillabower) of Carmel, Ind., and sisters, Susan of Schererville, and Janet.

As a young man, David accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in his faith at the First Church of Christ in Highland. He was a graduate of Highland (IN) High School (Class of 1980), and earned his undergraduate degree, BSBA, from the University of Missouri in St. Louis.

After college, David worked on various military programs at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis before transitioning back to the Calumet Region. Dave would embark on a career as a Logistics Coordinator for BP Asphalt in Chicago. It was a position he loved, working with people he respected, and perfectly suitable for one having a lifelong fascination with transportation, in general, and in railroading, specifically.

He was a Model Railroad Car aficionado. His Model Railroad hobby extended into the development of sophisticated custom models, in either 'HO,' 'N' or 'Z' gauge. The same detail he brought to the workplace originated with the extraordinary work cultivated by painting and intricately decaling blank cars and locomotive engines and turning them into Works of Art.

David was a sharp dressed man. He liked to smell good (sometimes too good with his cologne selections). He was neat and well groomed, a testament to his admiration for the military and his father who was a veteran. And David embodied his Dad's "Scrubbing Dutch and German Work Ethic." He was no stranger to hard work and took on numerous "Do – It – Yourself" projects. But he had a softer side as well, thanks to his mother, who received flowers from her favorite son on every Anniversary and each Birthday. In short, David was Mommy's Boy.

He was a private person, but those that knew Dave enjoyed his talents as a grill master and as a baker, and every year, at about this time, he would whip up deep dish apple pies that were the envy of his Aunt Almira. He loved the Chicago Blackhawks and their three (3) Stanley Cups won in 2010, 2013 and 2015 provided immense joy. He enjoyed fishing for bass. He loved to ride his bicycle. He lifted weights and kept fit his entire life, which is why his sudden death is so mystifying. But, most importantly, he lived his life on his own terms.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him because he was a Good Guy.

Son…………Brother……………….Friend…………..

The family is indebted to the folks at the Hospice of the Calumet Area, who provided comfort to David in his final days at the William Riley Residence, allowing a life cut far too short to conclude in a dignified manner.

Accordingly, the family respectfully requests Memorial Contributions be made on David's behalf to The Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Ave, Munster, Ind. 46321, or donate through their Web Site at www.HospiceCalumet.org.

The family will gather for a private service at the grave site at Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Schererville, Ind. The family is being served by Fagen Miller Funeral Home of St. John, Ind.