Richard Allen Hertzing

Carbondale – Richard Allen Hertzing, 68, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 8:10 p.m. at his residence with his family reflecting in memories of a life well lived.



Richard was born on Sept 30, 1947 in Hammond Indiana to parents Edgar and Lillian (Kulczyk) Hertzing.



He attended Thorton Fractional North High School in Calumet City, IL and Northern Illinois University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Anthropology. It was here that he met the love of his life, Jill Kathleen King, a freshman looking for a math tutor. They were married on August 23, 1969, and Jill quickly introduced Richard to joys of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and Camping. Luckily, the camping caught on, and travel became the signature of their lives.



They settled down in Jill’s home town of Rockford, IL. They enjoyed traveling to national and state parks, hiking and backpacking. In 1978 they welcomed their first son into the world, Peter, who was quickly followed by Eric in 1979, and David in 1982. The family continued travel at every opportunity, camping during long weekends and summers and going to visit Richard’s family who had moved to Rhinelander Wisconsin where the boys learned to tangle fishing line in trees and even catch some bluegill from time to time.



After watching his children grow and begin lives of their own, Richard purchased a Mazda Miata and continued to explore the countryside in his roadster with Jill. Retired from his 30 year career helping those with disabilities find meaningful work at Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, Richard spent three summers working as a Seasonal Park Ranger at Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez Colorado. Eventually, Richard and Jill relocated to Carbondale, Illinois to be close to their grandchildren and found great interest in the areas many wineries. They continued their travels in a Class B motor home in retirement going to destinations such as Alaska and the West Coast. At the time of his passing, Richard had spent time in 49 states. As the family faced the certainty of Richard’s mortality, a final trip was planned. The decision was made to spend the final holiday together in a lodge outside of Yellowstone National Park. As family and Friends gathered, it was clearly going to be a trip to remember.



Richard was raised in the Catholic Faith, spend most of his adult life as a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard in Rockford Illinois, and upon moving to Carbondale became a member of First Presbyterian Church. Richard volunteered countless hours to the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, IL serving as the President of the Board during the Burpee’s Expansion. In addition, his volunteer time at the Burpee Museum led him to Hell Creek Montana where Jane, the world’s most complete and best preserved juvenile T. rex was discovered. Once in Carbondale Richard delivered Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed spending time working with the Friends of Giant City Park.



To carry on his memory is his wife, Jill Hertzing of Carbondale; sons, Peter (Kara) Hertzing of Carbondale, Eric Hertzing of Bozeman, MT and David Hertzing of Carbondale; brother-in-law, Donald Schwarz of Rhinelander, WI; sister-in-law, Sonja Hertzing of Katy, TX; two grandchildren, Carly and Grant Hertzing; and several nieces and nephews.



Richard is proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Elizabeth Schwarz and his brother, Fred Hertzing.



A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale with Pastor Janice West officiating. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the church.



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, or to the Friends of Giant City. Envelopes will be available at the Meredith Funeral Home and the church.