Eugene Herzing

Eugene "Gene" Herzing passed away peacefully of natural causes on the morning of April 26th, 2025. Gene was born on October 13th, 1938, in Richland County, Wisconsin, the son of Keith and Alta (Hicks) Herzing.

Gene served 6 years as a Private First Class in the Marine Corps and married his best friend and constant companion Phillis Coots in March of 1959.

It was Gene's dream from the beginning to have a family, and together they provided a home full of love and laughter for their children, and the welcome sign was always out for those who needed family or a place to call home.

Gene worked for 22 years at Camcar Screw and Manufacturing while in Belvidere, Illinois and continued to work in Cordova Park District until his retirement in 2000, but the job that brought him the most joy was Chief Train Engineer for the kids at The Pumpkin Patch every fall. His daily involvement with his grandchildren was his purpose and his joy.

If you knew Gene, you knew he could be found after dinner playing cards. He was always looking for a game of dimes, hand-in-foot, or Skip-Bo. His presence around the table, his sly laugh, and his "I'm not sleeping!" naps will be sorely missed by those who love him. He adored country music, especially Johnny Cash. "I Walk The Line" was his theme song.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jodi in 1966, grandson Rafferty in 1996, and grandson David in 2023.

He is survived by his loving wife, Phillis, his children, Melvin "Fred" (Elisabeth), Edward (Carmon), Jennette (Ken Richmond), Dennis Cotter, and Valerie (Rick Koch), brother Cecil (Susan), sister Jane Carney, along with 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom hold Gene incredibly close to their hearts.

Services will be held at Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel in Rocklin, CA on May 13th, and Belvidere Funeral Home in Belvidere, IL on May 16th.