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David M. Hertzog Obituary – 12/18/2011


David Michael Hertzog, age 62, of Lewistown, MT, formerly of Winsted, died in the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 18, from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle accident.

“Tranny Dave” was born April 14, 1949, in Hutchinson, to parents Mel and Mary Ann (Hiller) Hertzog. He was the fifth of nine children.

Dave was raised and received his education in Winsted, and earned his first nickname, “Speedy” for his amazing speed on the track and football field.

After high school, he joined the US Marine Corps, serving in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War.

Upon his return stateside, Dave was united in marriage to Karen Hess April 14, 1969. Though they later divorced, Dave and Karen remained close and spent time together with their children and grandchildren.

Dave later received schooling for automatic transmission repair and rebuild in Wahpeton, ND. Shortly after his second child was born, he moved his family to Billings, MT, where he worked for Automatic Transmission Company and Brown’s Transmission.

Dave then decided to venture out on his own, opening his own transmission shop in Lewistown, MT. He continued to own and operate the business until the time of his death.

Dave’s love of hot rods started in his youth, and his projects continued until his death. He was an avid bird hunter and loved spending the winter on his snowmobile. He also spent time sky diving, gardening, motorcycling, traveling, mountain biking, and running. He competed and won various 5k runs all over the state and participated in several Big Sky State Games. Dave and his daughter, Jody, were planning on competing in a father-daughter 10K in the spring of 2012.

He is survived by his former wife, Karen of Lewistown, MT; his children, Shannon Hertzog (Donnie Taylor) and Jody Hertzog (Bryan Tuss), all of Lewistown, MT, John (Becky Masen) of Tucson, AZ, Krissy Hertzog (Jarret Barlettano) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Joel (Jessie Yuhas) of Seattle, WA; and seven grandchildren, John and Justin Dyba, Alex Potter, Anthony Masen, Serena and Alyssa Hertzog, and Jacey Barlettano.

Dave is also survived by his siblings, Dale (Anna Mae), Bruce (Carol), Mary (Roger) Fasching, Mel (Karen), Julie (Steve) Millerbernd, Frank, Charlie (Becky), and Matt (Denise), all of Minnesota and Wyoming; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

Dave will be missed by all who knew him. He was an incredible person with an infectious laugh and was fiercely devoted to his family.

Memorials may be given to the Dave Hertzog Memorial Fund, through the Cloyd Funeral Home, 209 Third Avenue N., Lewistown, MT 59457. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.

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