Paul Hertzog

February 6, 1923 – December 30, 2014

Paul Hertzog, passed away at his home on December 30, 2014, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary; children, Gary Hertzog, Devona Brannan (Larry), Bill Hertzog (Cindy), Sharon Yeager (Dan), Gail Janhunen (Bill), Brian Hertzog, and Tell Hertzog (Diana), daughter-in-law, Becky Hertzog (Wes), and daughter-in-law, Sally Hertzog; his brother Frank Hertzog, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Paul is preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Patsy Hertzog (Bill); daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Hertzog (Gary); grandson, Nathan Hertzog (Gary); and son, Wes Hertzog.
Paul was born on his parents’ homestead on February 6, 1923, just south of Maybell. He made his living as a rancher and trucker. He served his country in the Army Air Corp from 1943 until the end of World War II, in 1946. Shortly before the end of the war, Paul worked for Army Intelligence, but left the army to pursue his dream of ranching in Colorado.
Paul married his beloved wife, Rosemary, in Craig on July 1, 1943. She, a California girl, met Paul at a dance at Ladore Hall in 1941, and they were sweethearts ever after. After the war, they bought the “Nobel Place” on the south side of Maybell, the “Johnson Place” and the “Dalby Place” at the mouth of Juniper Canyon on the north side of the river. They spent the next 72 years making their way, raising 8 children, and living life together. In 2013, Paul and Rosemary celebrated 70 years of marriage together, surrounded by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and lots of old friends. As always, they were side by side.
Paul was a family man, the consummate horseman, a friend to all. Regardless of how lean times may have been from time to time, there was always room for one more at his table. He was a good, honest man. His word was his bond. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held this spring.