Delores Hertzfeldt

“Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of the Lord – Matthew 25:23

Highland, IN – Delores Mae Hertzfeldt (nee Vanzo), 94, died peacefully of natural causes on April 18, 2024, with family at her side. Delores was born in Universal, Indiana, the third of four (4) children born to Virgle and Mary Vanzo (nee Verhonik). She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Hertzfeldt, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her siblings and their spouses – Frank Vanzo, Virgle Vanzo, Jr (Florence) and Madeline (George) Hanson

Delores is survived by her four (4) children, William Jr (Alice Stillabower) of Carmel, IN, Susan of Schererville, IN, David of Schererville, IN and Janet. Additionally, Delores is survived by her niece, Patti Hanson of Schererville, IN, and sister - in - law, Almira (Karner) Hertzfeldt of Munster, IN.

Delores was a graduate of Whiting, IN High School. Following graduation, she was employed at Edward Valve in Hammond, IN. It was at work where she met the love of her life, Bill Hertzfeldt. Delores and Bill were soon married and as a testament to their love and devotion, they celebrated their 72nd Anniversary last June. 

Bill and Delores raised their children in Highland, Indiana. The entire family were faithful members of the First Church of Christ in Highland, where Delores served as a Bible School teacher.

Delores was the consummate and ultimate Homemaker – typical of life in Mid America in the Baby Boomer / Post War Age. While Bill brought home the bacon, Delores oversaw the household. She could do everything – she cooked, cleaned, did laundry, sewed, and maximized every dollar in the budget. Her family was never hungry, her children’s clothes were always clean, their faces were washed, their manners were respectful, and, if they were not, it was Mom who handed out the appropriate discipline. She was proud of her children, and humbly relished their accomplishments.

Delores created a home that was a nurturing environment for her family and their friends. There was a swing set in the back yard. There was Kool Aid and cookies on warm summer afternoons. There was always a pre-made half gallon of Iced Tea on hand for her husband. She made lunches for her husband to take to work and for her children to take to school. She excelled in the kitchen, self-taught, with a nod to Betty Crocker. Every Sunday after church featured a meal of roast beef, with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. She made Lemon Meringue pies that were mouthwatering.

While the family lived simply, they lived well, which may be the highest tribute that could be paid to Delores and Bill Hertzfeldt.

She enjoyed all types of music, but her favorite vocalists were Perry Como and Glenn Campbell. Attending and enjoying numerous Northwest Indiana Symphony concerts was a treasured pastime. She was also proud of her daughters as both were church organists and sang in the church choir.

She had a knack for gardening and her favorite flowers were Geraniums, Marigolds and Tulips. Delores’ mind was sharp as a tack for the entirety of her time on earth. Nothing got past her. She was astute and observant, and hard to fool. She also had impeccable handwriting. It was a treat to receive a letter or a note or a Birthday Card from Delores if only because her penmanship was so beautiful.

Delores will be remembered for her devotion to family and her unwavering faith. She lived a life guided by Christian principles, secure in her faith and now secure in the bosom of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her gentle nature and kind heart will be missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to Thank the Nursing Staff at the Community Re-Hab Center in Crown Point for taking care of Delores in her final days and for allowing a life well lived to conclude in a dignified manner.

The family encourages any Memorial Contributions be made to one’s charity of choice, but we also ask that you perform a random Act of Kindness in remembrance of Delores Mae Hertzfeldt.

The world has lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has gained an Angel.

The family will gather for a private service at the grave site at Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Schererville, IN. The family is being served by Fagen-Miller Funeral Home in St. John, IN. 

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