Howard C. Hertz, age 90, of Clintonville passed away Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Evergreen Care Center, Shawano.
Howard Curtis Hertz was born at home on January 22, 1926 in Weyauwega to Fredrick and Elizabeth (O’Reily) Hertz. He began his schooling in Weyauwega and the family moved to Clintonville. Howard graduated from Clintonville High School in 1944. Then he entered the U.S. Navy during WWII and served aboard an LST in the Philippines Campaign for close to three years, being discharged in 1947. After the military he met the love of his life, Shirley A. Heinz, and the couple was united in marriage on October 25, 1947 at the Sacred Heart Church rectory, Shawano. Howard spent 18 months in Thule, Greenland, helping to build the new Air Force base there. The couple made their home in Clintonville where Howard was employed for some time at the Ford Garage and AEG Electric. He worked for 25 years for Automotive Supply Company, Clintonville. Later he started working as a realtor with Hilgenberg Realtors, Clintonville Office, and after a while went on his own. Howard continued as a Clintonville area realtor as owner and operator of Hertz Reality, until his retirement in 1994. He was a longtime member of St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville, and was involved with all sorts of activities with the Knights of Columbus. Howard was a Life Member of the American Legion Post #63, Clintonville, and a 34 year volunteer with the Clintonville Fire Department. His interests included woodworking, refurbishing furniture, collecting antiques, and sharing conversation with friends at the daily 10:00 a.m. coffee klatch. He always enjoyed the outdoors, spending weekends at their cabin in the woods, deer hunting, and his two yellow Labradors consecutively named Ginger. Howard will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather; and especially for his wonderful sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Shirley; and four children, Steve Hertz of La Crosse, Mike (Vicki) Hertz of Clintonville, Kathy (Joe) Pavelski of Stevens Point, and Barb (Dr. Scott) Laux of Bonduel. There are eight grandchildren; Jake, Jesse, Matt, Joe, Jenelle, Annie, Nicki, and Peri. He is further survived by three step-grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. Howard is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gilman and Vaughn, and a sister, Joyce Griffith.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 28th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville. Fr. John “Jack” Mullarkey will officiate and inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. Military Honors will be provided at the cemetery by members of the VFW Post 664, American Legion Post 63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, all of Clintonville. The family will visit with relatives and friends during the luncheon at church following the cemetery. The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in Howard’s memory to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839.