Hans Walter Herzog

 Of Lake Orion, Michigan and San Francisco, California. 

Passed on September 2, 2013 at the age of 88.

Hans Herzog, born in Switzerland on December 22, 1924 to Erna Herzog-Wegelin and Reverend Walter Herzog.  He spent his youth in the towns of Tägerwilen and St. Gallen.  Later he studied at Ecole d'Horticulture in Geneva, Switzerland receiving a Masters in Horticulture.

In 1950 he moved to the United States and married Netje Bras of Rotterdam Holland on November 19, 1956 in Davenport, Iowa. He worked as Head Grower in several greenhouses and as a Landscape Construction Supervisor. In 1958 he moved to take a position with Jacobsen’s Greenhouse in Lake Orion, Michigan where he settled and raised his family.

Those that knew our father appreciate his love of plants.  He enjoyed the beauty of nature and he made the world more beautiful tending to its plants and trees.  Even in his later years he loved to travel and experience new things.  It’s a well known secret that our father loved his pastries and mochas.  At 80 he snorkeled in Maui.  He truly savored life and took great pleasure in his family and in every waking moment.  Despite health challenges he charged on and continued to enjoy the world and what it offered. He was the kind of man that truly did stop and smell the roses and the tulips and the freesias and on!

He leaves behind 5 children: Érna Johanna Herzog and partner Christopher Kelly; Hans Walter Zacharius Herzog, wife Donna and their son Nicholas; Irene Cornelia Hinojosa, husband Michael and daughter Ashley; Anita Louisa Rowley, husband Thomas and their daughter Jennifer; Paul Robert Herzog and son John Paul.

He was a great father.  He was quiet and led by example.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His kindness and loving presence will be greatly missed. A service celebrating his 88 years with us will be held on September 21 at 11 am at the Lake Orion United Methodist Church (248)693-6201, 140 E. Flint St., Lake Orion, MI 48362 with luncheon in the fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Lake Orion United Methodist Church http://www.lakeorionumc.org/

 A celebration of his life will be held in San Francisco. Date and time to be announced. Please contact Érna Herzog for details.