KENNETH CHARLES “KEN” HERZOG, age 90, of Mabel, MN died peacefully on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Brookdale Senior Living in Carmel, Indiana.
Ken was born June 24, 1930, in New Ulm, MN to Norbert and Loretta (Rausch) Herzog. After graduating from New Ulm High School in 1948 Ken attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Pharmacy. On July 26, 1952, Ken married Elizabeth Von Bank and then joined the U.S. Air Force. After being discharged from active duty as a 1st Lieutenant in 1957, Ken worked at a pharmacy in St. Cloud, MN and in 1958 purchased the drug store in Mabel, MN where he and Liz raised their family. Ken operated Herzog Drugs in Mabel for 37 years and was a licensed pharmacist for over 50 years.
Ken loved his work as a pharmacist and small-town business owner. He enjoyed serving his customers, knew them personally, and was always quick to engage in friendly banter or to fill a much-needed prescription after hours. Ken also served his community by giving back through involvement in the Lions Club, Mabel City Council, Mabel Business Association, Mabel Telephone Board, School Board, American Legion, Steam Engine Days, and St. Olaf Catholic Church.
Ken was lovingly devoted to his wife Liz for 64 years. He was proud of and loved his family and set a lasting example of commitment, work ethic, and service to others. He enjoyed golfing with his friends, antiquing with Liz, collecting ceramic birds, and speaking German to all who would listen.
Ken is survived by his eight children: William (Diane) of Minneapolis, Ann (Steve Morrison) of Minneapolis, Catherine (William Herman) of Galesville, WI, Theresa (Phil) Ouellette of Indianapolis, IN, Elizabeth McFarland of Brownsburg, IN, James (Jann) of Iowa Falls, IA, John (Jennifer) of Little Rock, AR, and Robert (Kay Swank-Herzog) of Indianapolis, IN; twenty grandchildren: Megan Hughes-Morrison, Sasha (Edward) Miles, Mira Morrison, Joseph Zwickey, Kara (Seth Spencer) Zwickey, Michael, Elizabeth, and Grace Shariat Panahi, Luke, Jake, and Sophie McFarland, Laura (Aaron) Phillips, Alexandra (Cameron Pederson) Herzog and Jackson (Carli Leone) Herzog, Abby and Olivia Herzog, Emily (Clayton) Sorrells, Alexandra Witt, Gabriel and Isaac Herzog; six great-grandchildren: Tyler, Lexi, and Edward Miles, Julia Spencer, Leon and Harriet Phillips. Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, dear brother William J. Herzog, and two grandchildren: John Frederick and Joy Evelyn Herzog.
Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Mabel with lunch following at the Historical Society Barn. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. Friday, May 14 at Mengis Funeral Home. Masks and social distancing will be observed. Interment at a later date at the New Ulm City Cemetery. His family will donate memorials to Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota chapter. |
