Wilfred “Willie” F. Herzog

Memorial services celebrating the life of Wilfred “Willie” Herzog, 74, were privately held to honor his wishes. Willie passed away Tuesday evening, Oct. 11 at his home with family at his side.
Willie was born on January 3, 1942 to William and Flora (Ritter) Herzog in St. Rosa. He was one of six children and was raised in a farming family. On September 15, 1965, he married Shirley Strharsky at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud and they welcomed five children. Willie enjoyed fishing when he was younger and reading western novels by Louis L’Amour. He was a self-taught handy man who loved to come up with projects to do. He would spend time thinking about ways to improve things, figuring them all out in his mind before tackling fixer-upper or remodeling jobs. “Go at it like you want to get it done,” is a saying his kids often heard growing up. Willie was a great dad who instilled a good work ethic in his children; he was also a wonderful husband. He had a keen sense of humor, enjoyed good-natured teasing and making others laugh. Willie disliked being idle and felt that keeping things simple was the best way to go. He worked as a dairy farmer and also raised chickens on his family farm with Shirley. Willie will be missed by his family and friends.
Willie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley Herzog, Albany; his children John (Michelle) Herzog, Paynesville; Mike (Julie) Herzog, Andover; Paul (Mary) Herzog, St. Rosa; Michelle Herzog, Albany; Brian (Jennifer) Herzog, Forest Lake; his brother Jim (Joan) Herzog, Owattona; his 19 grandchildren and his 9 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded by his parents William and Flora Herzog, and his sisters Gracie, Valeria, Betty, and Ethel.