“To all whom I have known, thank you for being part of my journey through life. I am now home in the eternal life of the Lord, and heaven has set me free. I will treasure the memories we made together and wish each of you life’s very best.”
Jeffrey William Patrick Herzog passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026, on a sunny day with a gentle breeze, surrounded by the love of family.
Jeff was born on June 5, 1958, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Clyde Herzog and Dawn McNamara Herzog. A 1976 graduate of Lincoln High School, Jeff was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Farmers of America. He excelled on the football field and the wrestling mat. Just as important to him were the friendships he formed, the values he developed, and the curiosity, independence, and love of learning that would shape the course of his life.
After high school, Jeff earned a degree in Agriculture from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. It was there that he deepened his appreciation for the land, sustainable growing practices, and the connection between education and agriculture, interests that remained central throughout his life.
Jeff embraced adventure and lifelong learning. Over the years, he worked as a mechanic, explored the underwater world through scuba diving, traveled to new places, taught others, built and repaired almost anything, and was always eager to learn a new skill. His curiosity, creativity, and willingness to take on new challenges ultimately led him to discover his passion for sustainable agriculture and education.
His life’s journey led him through many experiences and friendships, but one of the most meaningful chapters of his life brought him to Lansing, Michigan. There, Jeff found his calling at Michigan State University, where he worked alongside students, faculty, and friends with the Student Greenhouse Project Biodome. Combining his agricultural knowledge, hands-on skills, and passion for teaching, Jeff became a mentor to countless students drawn to the Biodome’s mission of creating a year-round tropical oasis and indoor community green space.
The Biodome was a place where students learned by doing, sustainability came to life, and community flourished. Alongside his close friend and collaborator, Phil Lamoureux, Jeff helped shape it into a unique educational space that inspired generations of students. Through his work, he nurtured not only plants, but also friendships, confidence, and purpose. The community he helped build continues to thrive as a lasting tribute to his vision, generosity, and belief in the power of learning.
Following a life-changing health event, Jeff returned to Manitowoc, determined to live each day to the fullest. He found a new and expanded community at Felician Village, which he considered a true blessing. There he renewed old friendships, made many new ones, and wholeheartedly embraced community life. Jeff especially enjoyed his role as President of the Resident Council, where he used his voice to advocate for others and help make a positive difference. His leadership, humor, kindness, and willingness to connect with others left a lasting impression on residents and staff alike.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, staff, residents, volunteers, chaplains, and friends at Felician Village, as well as the many healthcare professionals who provided Jeff with compassionate care, friendship, and support throughout the years. Their kindness enriched Jeff’s life and brought comfort to both Jeff and his family.
Jeff will be remembered for his deep faith, grateful spirit, and trust in God, which guided him through both life’s challenges and its many blessings. He found comfort in prayer, spiritual reflection, music, and meaningful conversations with others. Jeff was also known for his love of learning, his endless curiosity, his quick sense of humor, and his ability to bring people together. An avid reader throughout his life, he later developed a love for audiobooks, which allowed him to continue enjoying new ideas, stories, and subjects even when reading became more challenging. Whether through education, community involvement, gardening, mentoring students, or simply sharing a conversation with a friend, Jeff found joy in helping others grow. He believed that strong communities are built through kindness, service, and shared experiences, and he lived those values every day.
Jeff is survived by his mother, Dawn Herzog; his sisters, Kimarie (Brian) Brown and Kerri (Todd) Weishoff; his brothers, Kirk (Debbie) Herzog and Tim (Lisa) Herzog; his sister-in-law, Laurie Herzog-Draeger; and many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, dear cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Herzog, and his brother, Brian Herzog.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 South 14th Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. during the visitation. The family will continue visitation on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish – Waldo Site- from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass at 11:00 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Parish — Waldo Site, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, followed by a luncheon at the All Care Reception Center, 925 South 14th Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
A private family interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery on a later date.
A memorial service will also be held on Wednesday, October 28, at 1:30 p.m. at Blessed Angela Chapel, Felician Village, 1635 South 21st Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the Herzog family.
In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jeff’s memory to the Manitowoc Public Library Homebound Program (Play Away), Felician Village Resident Activities, the Student Greenhouse Project Biodome, or any organization whose mission honors Jeff’s lifelong interests, values, and commitment to learning, community, and service. Donations may be made online in Jeff’s name through the organizations’ websites or by check payable directly to the designated organization.
