Brian Herzog

If you are reading this my life’s journey is complete. And what a journey it has been. My name is Brian M. Herzog. I lived in Hazelhurst, WI and died on Feb. 2, 2011 at the age of 49. I was born on August 4, 1961 in Manitowoc, son of Clyde Herzog and Dawn McNamara Herzog. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1979, I had the wonderful experience of working on the crew that built the first eighteen holes of Blackwolf Run golf course in Kohler. It satisfied my love of operating heavy equipment. For the next 24 years I was self-employed as an automobile wholesaler in Libertyville, IL. I enjoyed the fast pace and exciting challenge of buying and selling cars and the friendships I made with the dealerships in Libertyville. This was the perfect occupation for me. On October 19, 1991 I married Laurie Schwartz, the love of my life and tireless supporter. From 1992 until 2006 we lived a wonderful life in Grayslake, IL. Our three children were born there. In 2006, Laurie and I purchased Home Xpressions, a furniture store in Minocqua, WI. I had always wanted to live on a lake in northern Wisconsin so this move and our new business was a dream come true. But the best of plans can go awry. In August of 2007, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. With this devastating news our lives changed. My wife, Laurie, became responsible for operating our store. I am proud of the excellent job she has done and I know she will continue to do so. I want to express my gratitude to all of our families, friends, neighbors, customers and all of the great people I have come to know. You brought food, you drove my children, you hunted with my son, you spent time with me, you called. Without your concern, the quality of my life and that of my family’s could not have been sustained. Very special friends Mary Fried and Dee Dee and Jack Frost were always there for us day in and day out. God bless you all. I need to acknowledge my doctors and friends in oncology at the Marshfield Clinic, the staff at Howard Young and the Dr. Kate Hospice. Hope is a wonderful thing. You always provided it. Eventually, I had to make peace with the fact that cancer would take my life. I had been diligently working the best plan I could to fight it, if I died at least I would feel I fought the good fight and gave it my all. Brian January 21, 2011 Brian Herzog is survived by his wife, Laurie, His children Lindsey, Kate and Erik, his mother, Dawn Herzog, sisters Kim (Brian) Brown, Kerry (Todd) Weishoff, brothers, Jeffrey Herzog, Kirk (Debbie) Herzog, Tim (Lisa) Herzog: in-laws Richard and Diane Rohrer, Rivian (Jim) Hatt, Robin (Kory) Brockman, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Clyde Herzog and his father in-law Irwin Schwartz. Brian was loved by many and touched the lives of those he met. Brian was the anchor of our family. His love, generosity and fierce tenacity were always present in everything he did, right to the very end. You could not find a more dedicated father and husband than Brian. His children were one of his greatest joys. He taught his children, through his words and actions, the meaning of hard work, character, love, and responsibility. He always stood behind his wife and family and loved them more than anything. We will forever be grateful for the strong example he set forth, his perseverance, kindness and love. He will be greatly missed! A celebration of Brian’s life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 8950 Cty Road J, Woodruff, WI. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00pm on Friday, Feb. 4 and on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 9:30-11:00am. A mass will be held at 11:00 with lunch following. Reinbold and Pfeffer Family Funeral Service, Manitowoc, in conjunction with Bolger Funeral Home, Minocqua, are serving the Herzog Family. Memorial donations would be appreciated in Brian’s name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Research), 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, or Holy Family Catholic Church Building Fund or Dr. Kate Hospice, Woodruff, WI 54568.

Brian Herzog

August 4, 1961 - February 2, 2011