Donald James Herzog, born April 4, 1945, passed away at home on Sunday, September 13, 2020 in Carthage. He leaves behind his loving wife of fifty years, Karen Colaw Herzog, a son Christopher (Sarah) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and grandchildren Kanyon and Kaydence.
He is also survived by his brother Douglas (Denise), sister-in-law Barbara Tucker (Tom), nephews Andy Herzog, Daniel Tucker (Sarah), and niece Janet Kellogg (Josh). He was preceded in death by his father Jerome Michael Herzog, his birth mother, Rose Cesar Herzog, and adopted mother, Dorothy Janke Herzog.
Donald was a lifelong lover of learning. He grew up in Milwaukee and Tomah Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science, Kansas State University with a Masters in English literature and with his Doctorate from the University of Kansas in Curriculum and Instruction.
Donald spent his career helping students explore English and American literature as a professor at Longview Community College in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Don made lifelong friends with his colleagues at the college and enjoyed teaching students as well as grading his own son’s high school papers, often requiring numerous rewrites to his son’s chagrin. While at Longview Don was a sponsor of the college Circle K group.
After retirement from the college Don joined his wife Karen in Washington, Missouri where she spent several years as a college president. While there he served on the founding board of Franklin County Habitat for Humanity.
Throughout the years Donald had a quick wit, a fantastic sense of humor and a passion for gardening, flowers, and all of God’s creatures. He also was very proud of a well-kept lawn and enjoyed working outside so much he planted vegetable gardens wherever he lived, often donating home grown tomatoes and other produce to friends, family, and coworkers.
In his later years he found immense joy in his grandchildren playing games, introducing them to new experiences and helping them get a good start in reading and writing with his many stories read on the couch, with a child under each arm. This is where he was happiest.
Throughout his life Don enjoyed reading mystery novels, world travel with his wife, amateur genealogy, and was a fan of Kansas Jayhawk basketball, Kansas City Chiefs football, Kansas City Royals baseball and occasionally a St. Louis Cardinals game, although he always believed professional sports had become akin to watching “Apple vs. IBM.”
Donald James Herzog was a lifelong Christian, true believer, servant of God and member of Fairview Christian Church in Carthage. He was a home bible study leader and devoted husband, father, and “Poppa.”
Funeral services will be held 11 am, Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Fairview Christian Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 am until service time. Social distancing and face masks are required. Interment will follow at Fasken Cemetery, Carthage. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Donald’s honor to Fairview Christian Church, your local Habitat for Humanity chapter and the Joe Biden for President campaign in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
