Robert W. Herzberg

Traverse City – Robert William Herzberg Sr., 83 of Traverse City went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ March 11, 2016 with his family by his side.

Robert was born December 12, 1932 in Saginaw to the late Joseph and Frieda (Bleck) Herzberg. He was one of fourteen children. He was raised Lutheran and attended Trinity Lutheran School and Church to the tenth grade and graduated from Saginaw High School in 1950. His sponsors were Otto and Arleen (Bleck) Berner. He joined the Navy on February 26, 1951. He served proudly aboard the USS Midway CV-41 as a Radioman. He was honorably discharged on August 14, 1953. Robert married his high school sweetheart Helen Marie Deming on November 20, 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church by Pastor August Bernthal. They raised four children: Dr. Kathleen M. (Greg) Skelcy of Saginaw, Rob Jr., Michael C. (deceased 1979), and Karen Marie Yowell of Traverse City.

He was an avid fisherman on Spider Lake where he caught Blue Gills. He was also a great golfer. Robert attended Eastman Kodak in New York. Once completing his schooling, Robert was a copy machine sales and service specialist in Traverse City and in Saginaw Delta Duplicating. He was a member of the V.F.W., D.A.V., P.V.A., F.O.E., American Legion and Shriner. He was made an honorary member on the V.V.A. Chapter #68 of Petoskey in 1983. Robert realized a need for a Veteran's Organization for all Veterans who served honorably, with NO cut off dates, duty stations or wartime action and over seas duty. Robert proceeded to form a new Military Organization, named "The American Military League" on December 12, 1981. It is still helping Veterans. The American Military League is now thirty four years old and is still running strong with Commander Frank Dallavalle and Vice Commander Louis Green.

Robert was a loving husband and father. He loved his grandchildren Kristine Wilcox of Hawaii, Dana (Zack) Peeples of Louisana, Caitlin Skelcy of Illinois, Alex Skelcy and Eliza Rose Mary Skelcy of Grand Rapids; two great grandchildren Alijah Helmar of Key West and Madilyn Rose Peeples of Louisana. He leaves his sisters Martha Shores of Flint and Elizabeth Ratti of Saginaw. Thorris Grief, Dorothy (Bill) Rettmann and Sandra Richmond of Saginaw and brother-in-law Thomas Ratti. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins along with Sally (Keith) Polmanteer of Grand Rapids.
He was preceded in death by his in-laws Russel and Mickey (Crossland) Bennett; brother Joseph (Thelma), sister Marney (Al) Thomas, sister Penny Arleen, brother-in-law Joseph LaDrig, sister Robin Carole, brother-in-law Jack Shafley.
The family would like to thank Munson Medical Center, Tendercare and Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home for all of the compassion, care and kindness that they have shown.
Cremation has taken place per Robert's wishes. A gathering will be held later this summer.

Any expressions of sympathy may be directed to the American Military League, 2423 Sybrandt, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with the family.

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.