Dennis R. Herzog

The world is a bit dimmer with the passing of Dennis Robert Herzog, who left his earthly home on July 28, 2021.

Dennis was born in Pound on Dec. 10, 1940, the youngest of nine children to Ewald and Jennie Herzog. A veteran of Vietnam, he returned to marry Durham Hernden on Feb. 6, 1966, and together they built a life and family on their farm in Gillett.

Dennis believed in living a life of faith, humility, integrity, hard work, love and laughter. Even in retirement, he enjoyed helping on the farm, cheering his grandkids at sporting events, golfing in his “Old Farts” league (where he learned and shared many of his hilarious jokes), taking on friends and family in a round of croquet or traveling to gospel music conventions. He also played a lot of water volleyball in Puerto Vallarta, a place he and Durham considered a second home and wintered for the past few decades.

Dennis never met a stranger. People gravitated to his positive attitude, quick humor, words of wisdom and sometimes groan-worthy jokes. Always ready with praise for your success or words of wisdom when needed, many often reached out to him for advice and perspective. Above all, Dennis was a man of strong Christian faith and attributed all of his accomplishments to the grace of God, many times being heard to say, “I am glad God didn’t give me what I deserved, because I’ve been blessed so much more than anyone deserves.”

Dennis is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Durham Herzog, and their children, Julie Montieth (Rick), Jon Herzog (Mary), Kristin Pettit (Dave) and David Herzog (Deb). He will also be fondly remembered by his 14 grandchildren, Stephen, Taylor (Marina), Mark (Lexi), Jenna (Nick), Amelia (Brad), Noah, Sam, Lauren, Bryce, Isaac, Aidan, Alaina, Cale and Keegan, along with one great-grandchild, Beckham. He also leaves behind two sisters, Lorraine Yerxa and Adelin Deering.

Dennis believed that funerals are for the living and preferred to celebrate a wonderful life in memory of those he loved. In keeping with that philosophy, a celebration of his life will be held on Sept. 3, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Hope Community Church in Shawano. Receiving will begin at 9 a.m., and lunch will be served afterward at noon.