David G. Herzer passed away peacefully at his home in Scottsdale AZ, on Friday February 10, 2023 at the age of 90. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He is survived by his loving wife, Vernelle “Nell”, two daughters, Susann Herzer and Carol (Rick) Fronberry, and Nell’s children Kris (Leroy) Kukowski, Kevin Schott and Darin (Bruce) Sales. Their combined families leave 8 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren to mourn his loss.
Preceded in death by his first wife, Ann G. Carney, his parents David O. & Laura E. Herzer, and his sister and brother-in-law Patricia A. and Gordon M. Ihbe. Born in Milwaukee and raised in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, David graduated in finance from the University of Wisconsin Madison. He was a proud Badger and member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He was a part of the ROTC program on campus which ordered him to Munich Germany after graduation and was assigned to the Military Police.
While there, he was put in charge of civilian evacuation drills which entailed him to drive through the countryside on a monthly basis, checking out different safe passages to lead an auto caravan if need be. Once a month his simulation drills had him drive all the way to Spain. It was because of those road trips that he acquired his love for travel. And travel he did, for the rest of his days.
When he returned to the States he went to work for Marine Bank, and upon leaving, started Midland National Bank with two other partners in May of 1965. Midland grew to be the 4th largest bank in Wisconsin, which he was very proud of. In 1977, as acting President, he sold Midland to First Bank System, moving to Minneapolis, where he retired at the age of 55.
Life went on for the next 35 years filled with different board positions, treasurer appointments, volunteering, boating escapades, endless travel and eating adventures, and renewal of his faith.
He will be remembered as a wonderful cook and wine aficionado, an avid reader, a deal maker, an organizer and analyzer, a mentor and teacher. He also loved a good debate and that’s not debatable.
One might describe him as a fellow well met. You always knew when he was in the room with his large smile, decorative ties, and hardy handshake. He was an advocate of a good moral code and up bringing, which he shared with everyone, and a strong faith to guide him along the way. He will be deeply missed by so many.
The family would like to thank his many doctors and caregivers at Dignity Cancer Center.
In Lieu of flowers all donations will be given to the Music Ministry Department at the Valley Presbyterian Church.
Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday February 24th between 2-4 pm and on Saturday February 25th 10-11am.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 2:00pm.
Ran Hoth
Nell: Our deepest sympathies to you and the family. I was happy to reconnect and get to talk to Dave after our bank reunion. He enjoyed a great life! We plan to give you a hug too.
Dyanne Erickson
Sue, So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. My prayers and sympathy are with you and all the family.
Jack (John) Scott
My deep sympathy to you Nell as well as to both families who have lost a dear companion and friend and must more. I pray you will be comforted knowing that David is with the Lord and freed from any miseries he suffered here on earth. Of course, his passing will leave a huge emptiness and I pray that many will step in to fill that space. Our God is a God of relationships and mercy. May he be ever present as you mourn and endure the wrench that parting always brings. I pray you will be able to immerse yourself in the community of faith and gain strength in this time of need.
Bob Enos
Nell, I can only imagine the impact that David had on so, so many lives. I was truly a great privilege to have made his acquaintance. Go with God – I have no doubt David has.
Wayne Odell
Nell, my sympathy to you and your family. Through an invitation from Tom Corneil to go fishing in Canada I got to know David. We enjoyed catching numerous walleyes. I enjoyed his humor, debating fishing strategies and smiled when the fishing crew would give him the raspberries if he lost a fish.
God bless you in your time of sorrow!
Dan Schreiber
Susann & Carol –
Your dad was a special person in my life. I knew him on a couple of different levels. As a neighbor in Royal Oak subdivision, he often gave me a ride to Marquette High School on his way to work downtown. I was one of the first, in a long list of Marquette University students, that he hired to work part-time at Midland Bank. He was also instrumental is helping me get my first job in advertising with Fromstein Associates that did work for Midland Bank. While younger, and still living at home, I also remember the tightly-knit group of neighbors that lived on the cul-de-sac where you and your parents lived. I recall the frequent parties and neighborhood events where your dad always had a great time. I also remember sitting for you two way back when!
Tom Lindemann
Hi Nell,
I just got the news from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. I have so many fond memories of
you and David in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Always a smile! Always a kind word. Who could ask
for anything more?
My condolences to you and the family.
Tom Lindemann
John Chandler
Dear Sue & Carol-
My condolences to your and your families.
Of course, I never really knew your Dad, but I have good memories of all you Herzers!
John Chandler