Peter Hertl

Peter Hertl, 81, born October 8, 1939, passed away April 3, 2021. Beloved husband of Maria née Haasz for almost sixty years. Adoring father to Rosemary (David) Matzl, Peter (Sheila) Hertl, Cathy (Larry) Wilcox, cherished grandfather to Michael, Peter, Josef, Kristin, Kevin, Melissa, Diana, Kyle, Annyetta, Karoly, Krisztina and Dragos; and great grandfather to Bernadette, Theodore and Anthony. He loved and adored all of his family and was always so proud of everyone! Beloved son of the late Michael and Susanna Hertl, who loved him dearly and brother of Josef all a very special family.

Peter was born in Romania, and upon coming to America his parents and brother Josef settled in Chicago. Peter worked as a Glazier and a proud one at that with his skill/work and his lack of fear of heights he was always assigned some of the most challenging opportunities knowing he had the courage to attach outside of Chicago high-rise buildings and all recognizing his superb quality of work. One of the jobs he was so proud of was working on the set of the filming of the Blue’s Brothers where he had an opportunity to meet John Belushi and others, he was also very proud of the work at the Shedd Aquarium building the large tank at the center and the glass elevators at Water Tower Place. Upon retirement, he started his own company which was always in high demand based on customer referrals alone. Outside of his professional skills as a Glazier, Peter was always called upon by many as the “guy” who could fix anything, and he was always ready to help and honored to help others.

Outside of work, Peter was a Father who loved his children and was very proud of all they achieved, and equally the same with the grandchildren and most recently great-grandchildren. Raising their children Peter and Maria were proud to live on Norwood Street in Chicago among many friends. In addition, family vacations consisted of 2 weeks at a resort in Wisconsin with the families of their beloved European friends. Sundays generally consisted of the same of friends, picnics on a lake in Lake County for the day with good times and a barbeque. Monthly card parties with these same friends was also a staple where each couple rotated on hosting. Peter was also an outstanding dancer to his favorite German music, so dances and celebrating the German holidays were always something he enjoyed.

Living on Norwood as the generations turned, new neighbors came and went for the past 58 years, always new friends and everyone reaching out to Peter for help with their homes, as well as, local businesses in their neighborhood. And, as health became challenging, neighbors always there to help where ever they could.

Peter led a life of love and passion for his family and his friends. He was loved by all and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Services to be held privately. Interment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, River Grove, IL.