Marilyn F. (Swartz) Hertzfeld

Marilyn F. (Swartz) Hertzfeld, age 82, a longtime resident of Waterville, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Village Green Health Campus. She was born May 16, 1940 in Toledo to Vincent and Sophie (Krall) Swartz. Marilyn grew up adoring her father, working alongside him on the family farm every chance she could. She saw what working hard meant and she was grateful for the experiences her parents provided for her. Marilyn and her sisters often reminisced about their younger years on the farm, driving tractors, selling produce, instigating apple fights with friends and cooking hearty meals with their mother. Their laughter would echo throughout the house. So many memories of when life moved more slowly.

She graduated from Rogers High School, Class of 1958, where she was a Majorette all four years. During high school Marilyn met the love of her life Tom Hertzfeld. They married July 16, 1960, and together raised their family of 8 children in a fun, busy and loving home.

Marilyn worked alongside her husband Tom for more than 50 years at the family business, Hertzfeld Poultry Farms, Inc. Tom's father started the business in 1959 and over the years, Hertzfeld Poultry Farms, Inc. has gone from being a family farm to a fully integrated company. Today, Marilyn and Tom's three sons and two grandsons are a part of the business which also includes other 3rd and 4th generation family members.

Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother "Ganner", great grandmother, and sister, cherishing what God had given her. Her warm smile and the twinkle in her eye welcomed everyone into their home on holidays, special celebrations and every day in-between. Marilyn enjoyed family camping trips, traveling to Notre Dame to support the Fighting Irish and watching her grandchildren at many of their sporting events. Memories were made whether sitting by the evening fire, hiking, taking trips to Cedar Point or enjoying listening to Elvis. Another well-known event she and Tom enjoyed was the annual "Hertzfeld Fireworks Show" that they put on every 4th of July for family, friends, and even random people who decided to pull off to the side of the road to enjoy the spectacular show.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Thomas "Big Tom" Hertzfeld, Sr; daughter, Tara Hertzfeld; grandson, Trevor Hertzfeld and in-laws, Carl Hoecherl, Dave Kuehnl, Diane & Richard Heuerman and Frank & Natalie Hertzfeld. She is survived by her loving children, Debbie (Gil) Pantle, Thomas (Debbie) Hertzfeld, Jr., Todd (Bev) Hertzfeld, Brad (Beth) Hertzfeld, Samara (Len) Mayer, Dawn (Joe) Fritscher and Shawn (Kira) Herztfeld. Marilyn was "Ganner" to 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and sister of, Norma Jean Hoerchel, Susan (Bill) Burkett and Elaine Kuehnl. Also left to cherish her memory are many loving extended family members and dear friends.

The family will receive guests Friday, August 19, 2022, from 9:30 - 10:30am at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 104 W. Broadway St, Maumee, Ohio where a Mass of Celebration will begin at 10:30 am. Officiating will be Rev. Eric Schild. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery, S. River Rd. Providence, Ohio.

Those wishing to make a Memorial Contribution in Marilyn's memory are asked to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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