John H. Hertzfeldt

JOHN H. HERTZFELDT MUNSTER, IN John H. Hertzfeldt, age 82, of Munster, IN passed away early Wednesday morning, June 18, 2014, in the arms of his loving family. John was born on October 17, 1931 in Lincoln, IL. His family moved to Hammond where he graduated from Clark High School. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Almira (nee Karner); daughters: Anita (Ralph) Kokot, Gail (Rob) MacKenzie, Cheryl (Dale) Potts, Almira (John) Ostojic, and Bernice Hertzfeldt; grandsons: Ralph Kokot III, Sergeant Jonathan Kokot, and John Ostojic; brother, Bill (Delores) Hertzfeldt; brothers-in-law: Norman (Pat) Karner and Ronnie (Anna) Karner; and nieces and nephews: Billy Ray, Susan, Janet and David Hertzfeldt. Preceded in death by his grandson, Eric Ostojic; and parents: Fred and Alberta. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 23, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8601 Harrison Ave., Munster, IN with Rev. Donald E. Stock officiating. Burial will follow at Concordia Cemetery, Hammond, IN. Visitation Sunday from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Anthony & Dziadowicz Funeral Home, 9445 Calumet Ave. (at 45th St.), Munster, IN and Monday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the church. A Sharing of Memories will take place on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. When John and Almira were first married. John began his career as a baker at Almira's Pastry Shoppe. They lived above the bakery and began to raise a family. Over the years, while being owner and operator of Studel Haus Bakery in LaPorte and Crown Point, John was responsible for training countless young men and women in the bakery. Many of these people went on to own their own bakeries, raise their families and enjoy baking as much as he did. John was most generous in giving as much as he could to whoever needed it. John was a Master Baker who loved his work, took pride not only in his profession, but in teaching others as an instructor in Baking Arts at Ivy Tech. John will be especially missed by his four-legged friend, Johnny, who he took for walks, car rides for ice cream, teaching new tricks and babysat while his Mom and Dad worked. John was a Bulls, Cubs and Bear fan. He was an avid reader of anything positive, especially History and Politics. He loved to golf and in the last two years settled on watching the Golf Channel. During the last few years, there was more time for telling stories and reminiscing about things he enjoyed like golfing with Bill Hoffman, the bowling leagues he played on and things he missed - going to church and hearing the beautiful music played by David Brandt, his friend. A story always told was the night he had a heart attack and was operated on twice by this young surgeon who saved his life almost 30 years ago. Thank you Dr. Mateo Guanzon. Thank you to the staff of Kindred Care, with special mention to our new friends Mel and Abel. The care they provided was a special blessing and will not be forgotten. Thank you to Hospice of the Calumet Area and to our Angel in our hour of need - Pam. To Dr. Shashidar Divakaruni and as our Dad would always say "his beautiful wife, Dr. Anu Divakaruni" - thank you for the years of care you gave our Dad and your patience with us. Our Dad thought of you not only as his Doctor, but as his friend. Donations in John's honor may be made to "The Bakery House", 4913 Broadway, Gary, IN 46409. The Bakery House is a homeless shelter for men who are willing to change his life to the glory of God.