William Ray Hertzfeldt

William Ray Hertzfeldt

Sept. 3, 1928 - Dec. 9, 2023

I go to prepare a place for you......John 14.2

William (Bill) Hertzfeldt, Sr. 95, died peacefully of natural causes on December 9, 2023, with family at his side. Bill was born in Lincoln IL, the eldest of two sons born to Ray and Alberta Hertzfeldt. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as step-parents, Gladys Hertzfeldt and Fred McCleary; and his younger brother, John.

Bill was a graduate of George Rodgers Clark High School, Hammond, IN. Upon graduation, he met the love of his life, Delores Vanzo, and, on an Army furlough, they were married in Whiting, IN. As testament to their love and devotion, they amazingly celebrated their 72nd Anniversary this past June. His wife, Delores, survives, as do their four children: William Jr (Alice Stillabower) of Carmel, IN, Susan of Schererville, IN, David of Schererville, IN and Janet. Additionally, Bill is survived by his niece, Patti Hanson of Schererville, IN; and sister-in-law, Almira (Karner) Hertzfeldt of Munster, IN.

Bill and Delores raised their children in Highland, IN. All the children were graduates of Highland High School. The entire family were faithful members of the First Church of Christ in Highland, where Bill served as a Deacon, Elder and Bible School teacher. He later was a devout member of Suncrest Christian Church, attending from its origin at Lake Central High School through the relocation to the St. John campus and up through the onset of the COVID Pandemic.

Bill served honorably in the US Army from March 1951 through November 1952 during the Korean War. Upon his return to the Region, Bill was employed as a Pipe Fitter at the Cities Service Oil refinery in East Chicago, IN until the company relocated operations to Lake Charles, LA in 1972. He then embarked on another 20 year career with the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) until his retirement at 65 in 1993. Bill embodied the "Scrubbing Dutch and German Work Ethic" from his heritage. Bill was no stranger to hard work & keeping a positive attitude. This legacy and mind set was passed on to his children, as he always encouraged them to "Do Your Best Every Day." Bill was a sharp dresser, extremely neat and well groomed, a testament to how he was raised and his military service.

An eternal optimist, the glass was always half full in Bill's world. He lived simply, but happily, and his actions spoke louder than his words. He exemplified civility and fairness, treating people that crossed his path by adhering to the Golden Rule, secure in his faith and now secure in the bosom of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He loved college basketball, baseball, and hockey. He cheered on "The General," Coach Bobby Knight as Indiana University men's basketball teams won three NCAA National titles, he relished in seeing the White Sox finally triumph in the 2005 World Series and witnessed three Stanley Cups won by those special Black Hawks teams in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

Special Occasions and Anniversaries were marked by dinners at Teibel's, and his last years were spent enjoying the teachings of Dr. Charles Stanley and always watching the Lawrence Welk Show every Saturday and Sunday Evening. He enjoyed music from the classic Big Band Era including favorites from Glen Miller, The Dorsey Brothers, Count Basie, and various other musicians of that era.

His devotion to family and friends was unwavering. His smile was comforting. He lived by the simple tenet, "Plan Your Work, and Work Your Plan." So simple, but so powerful and meaningful. His gentle nature will be missed by all who knew him.

The family is indebted to all the folks at the Hospice of the Calumet Area, who provided comfort to Bill in his final days, allowing a life well lived to conclude in a dignified manner.

Accordingly, the family respectfully requests Memorial Contributions be made on Bill's behalf to The Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Ave, Munster, IN 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, IN. The family is being served by FAGEN MILLER FUNERAL HOME of St. John, IN.