Orville L. Hertz

Orville L. Hertz, 82, died in his home the afternoon of Thursday (Dec. 23, 2010). He was born in Kankakee County Feb. 25, 1928, to Hobart and Edith Hertz. As a young man Orville opened his heart to the Lord and followed faithfully in this world up to the minute his father said "Orville, come on home." Leaving his oxygen tank forever they walked hand in hand into the pure fresh air of heaven. Orville was a member of Bradley United Methodist Church and served various positions. After moving to Terre Haute, Ind., he was a faithful part of Breden Memorial United Methodist Church. Orville's sweet spirit, his selfless way of living and giving and his sense of humor touched the lives of many. His devotion and love for Jesus, his family and extended families were evident in his servant heart and hands. Orville was a 60-year member of the Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Union Local 383 in Kankakee. He worked on both high rise and industrial projects in the Chicago area. It was said that if the Empire State Building needed to be moved, Orville would find a way to do it. Orville is survived by his wife, Myrthel, whom he married in 1991; daughters, Linda (Jerry) Abee, Barbara (Steve) Willis and Joyce (Terry) Erickson; stepdaughter, Cindy (Dale) Zorn; stepsons, Stephen (Teresa) Bula and Matthew (Rita) Bula; one brother, Eldon (Rita) Hertz; and one sister, Lois Jenkins. His grandchildren are: Jenny (Kent) Parsons, Melissa Armstrong, Angie (Jason) Bundy, Kate (Sam) Nichols, Nick (Jenny) Erickson, Chad (Laci) Erickson and Tim Erickson. His great-grandchildren are: Emma, Paige and Ryan Erickson; Wyath Erickson and Elaina Nichols. Stepgrandchildren are: Kylie (Dan) Welling, Skylar (Jenny) Lyon, Traci and Tori Bula, Tiffany, Jessica and Joshua Bula. Stepgreat-grandchildren are: Noah and Nathan Lyon, and Aurora and Hudson Welling. Orville was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Kirchner Hertz, whom he was married to from 1950 until her death in 1989; his parents; brothers, Glen and Kenneth Hertz; and sisters, Doris Zaeske, Shirley Burch and Arlene Hertz. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. today until the 7 p.m. funeral services at the DeBaun Springhill Chapel, Terre Haute, with the Rev. David Deal officiating. Visitation will also be held from 11 a.m. Tuesday until the 1:30 p.m. funeral services at the Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home, west Kankakee. Burial will be in Kankakee Memorial Gardens, Aroma Township.

Orville L. Hertz

February 25, 1928 - December 23, 2010