Thomas E. Hertzfeld, Sr.

Thomas "Big Tom" Edward Hertzfeld, 79, passed away peacefully Friday, February 24, 2017 surrounded by his family and his loving wife. He was born on December 6, 1937 in a fittingly small farm house in Waterville, Ohio to his parents Clarence and Alice Hertzfeld as the second of nine kids.

Tom lived in Waterville his entire life and graduated from Anthony Wayne High School in 1955. He was Commissioner of The Anthony Wayne Youth League Sports and was inducted into the Anthony Wayne Hall of Fame in 2011 for his lifetime of service to the school district.

Tom married the love of his life, Marilyn (Swartz) Hertzfeld on July 16, 1960 and the two of them had 8 kids, who were his ultimate pride and joy. In his professional life he served as The President of Hertzfeld Poultry Farms and was the recipient of the "Golden Egg Award." Tom has always been admired and respected for his gentle and patient approach toward everyone he worked with. He was also a proud Army veteran.

Tom enjoyed camping, spending time with family, Notre Dame Football, watching his grandchildren in their sports, sitting by the fire with family, hiking, Cedar Point, Elvis, "Ganpa Park", and teaching his grandchildren how to (illegally) drive down Schadel Road. Another great passion of his was the annual "Hertzfeld Fireworks Show" that he put on every Fourth of July for friends, family, and even random people who decided to pull off to the side of the road.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his daughter, Tara Hertzfeld, grandson, Trevor Hertzfeld, sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Richard Heuerman and brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Natalie Hertzfeld. Tom is survived by his loving wife 56 years, Marilyn Herzfeld; children: Debbie (Gil) Pantle, Thomas (Debbie) Hertzfeld, Jr., Todd (Bev) Hertzfeld, Brad (Beth) Hertzfeld, Samara (Len) Mayer, Dawn (Joe) Fritscher and Shawn (Kira) Hertzfeld; siblings: Robert (Marcia) Hertzfeld, Philip (Jackie) Hertzfeld, Barbara (Eugene) Heising, David (Janet) Hertzfeld, Clarence (Kathy) Hertzfeld and William (Leslie) Hertzfeld; 18 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren. His memory will also be treasured by many extended family members and dear friends.

The family will receive guests Monday, February 27th, 2017 at Peinert-Dunn Funeral Home, Waterville Chapel, 7220 Dutch Rd. from 2-8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will begin Tuesday, February 28th at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed with a Mass of Celebration at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 14010 S. River Rd. Grand Rapids, Ohio. Officiating will be Tom's nephew, Fr. Adam Hertzfeld.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Anthony Wayne High School Athletic Department, 5967 Finzel Rd, Whitehouse Ohio 43571 or to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.

A special Thank You to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially Tracy, Cindy and John.

To leave a special memory for Tom's Family please visit the guestbook below.