Richard J. Herzig

Richard J. "Dick" Herzig, 82, of Dover died peacefully Friday afternoon, March 28, 2008 following a brief illness.

Dick joined his father in law, John W. Toland in 1949 as a partner in the operation of the Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes. The business was established by Toland in 1929. For many years, Toland-Herzig also operated the ambulance service in Dover prior to the Dover Fire Department establishing a service.

Born May 9, 1925 in Zoar, Ohio, he was the son of the late Claude and Elfrieda (Beuter) Herzig.

He was a lifelong member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Dover where he previously served on the church council. A graduate of Dover High School Class of 1943, he faithfully served his country in the United States Navy where he was a Pharmacist's Mate Second Class aboard the U.S.S. Bountiful in the South Pacific during World War II. He also entertained by playing drums with Navy dance bands. Following his military service, he entered the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he was honored with the Dean's Award.

He served the community in many capacities. He was a Director Emeritus of the First Federal Community Banks. He was the Charter President of the Exchange Club in Dover. He was a former member of the Dover Rotary and Jaycees. He was Past President of the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, Past Exalted Ruler and life member of the Dover B.P.O.E. #975 and also served the Elks in District and State capacities, Past Commander and life member of the Dover American Legion and enjoyed performing with the former Drum & Bugle Corp., served in the position of Surgeon for the Dover VFW for many years, 55 year member of the 40 et 8 Voiture #117, Tuscarawas Masonic Lodge #59, Scottish Rite Valley of Canton and the Tadmor Shrine and Eastern Star.

Over the years, Dick had many interests. He was a wellknown area drummer having played many shows with Little Theater and several area dance bands. He was also a devoted animal lover from racing horses (Standardbreds) at area fairs, to assisting with "King", the first Dover Police dog, to enjoying his koi fish at the funeral home pond.

Dick joins his wife Marilyn (Toland) Herzig who died January 8, 1996. They were married nearly fifty years.

He leaves his children John (wife, Joyce) Herzig and Peggy (husband, Rick) Holmes both of Dover; four grandchildren, Trevor Herzig, Troy (wife, Marcie) Herzig, Tricia (husband, Joel) McKinnon, and Sara Holmes; four great grandchildren, Kylan, Alyssa, and Ava Herzig and Jack McKinnon and his sister, Margaret (husband, Art) Dell of Strasburg and his canine companion, Chelsey.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 11am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with Pastor Michael Lowry officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park where the Dover VFW will conduct military graveside services. A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 5-8pm. Those who cannot attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Dick may sign the online register book by visiting the "obituaries" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ in Dover, Hospice of Tuscarawas County, Tuscarawas County Humane Society, Cats n Us shelter, or the charity of one's choice.



Toland-Herzig, Dover