Dorothy R Herscher

Dorothy R. Herscher, 86, of Herscher, IL passed away Friday Oct 2, 2015 at her home in Herscher. She was born Jan 19, 1929 in Kankakee to John L. and Rosa (Keerbs) Herscher. Dorothy grew up in Bonfield and attended the Bonfield grade school. She later attending Herscher High School where she was first chair clarinet in the band for all four years. She was also sophomore class vice-president and librarian her junior year. She was on the yearbook staff her junior and senior years and served as the editor her senior year. Often during Christmas vacation and on “snow days”, Dorothy accompanied her father John on his mail route through Bonfield and Essex. Dorothy’s fondest memories growing up were bike rides, roller skating and sledding with her best friends Shirley Yeates and Carolyn Van Voorst. She still owns her blue and white bike from years ago. Dorothy attended Valparaiso University in IN (supported primarily by members of the Lutheran faith) due primarily to her many years of attending at Zion Lutheran Church, Bonfield while she was growing up. She graduated in 1950 with majors in Business/Economics/Geography and Geology, with a minor in Education. Dorothy earned a Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies in 1966 from Valparaiso Univ. In 1950, the year she graduated, Dorothy accepted the position of secretary to the president of the University. She worked for him for 18 years. When he retired, Dorothy chose to work for the Vice President for Academic Affairs and continued until her retirement in Aug 15, 2002, after 52 years of educational work. During her years at Valparaiso she also “moonlighted” as a ticket seller at the movie theater and recording secretary for The Board of Zoning Appeals and the City Planning Commission. She used her moonlighting income to fund her many travels and adventures. In 1953 she took a five-week trip to Europe, visiting Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Scotland and England. In 1956, she traveled for six weeks around the world, flying from Chicago to San Francisco, Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Burma, India (visiting the Taj Mahal), Egypt (climbing the Pyramids), Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Greece and Turkey. In 1960, her travels took her to South America, including Brazil during Mardi Gras, Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, Ecuador, Peru, Columbia and Chile. Her last travels were in 1972 to Mexico and Central America. In September of 2002, she moved home to the family homestead, to be with her father, John, who died in Feb, 2003 before his 103rd birthday. Dorothy is survived by numerous cousins. There will be a visitation from 9-11AM Wednesday, Oct. 7th at Trinity Lutheran Church, Herscher, followed by an 11AM Funeral Service officiated by Rev. Eric Brown at Trinity Lutheran Church, Herscher. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Bonfield following the funeral service. Schreffler Funeral Home, Herscher Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Dorothy’s words to live by are “Be kind to people and animals: all are God’s creatures.” Therefore, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Kankakee Co. Humane Society. Please sign her guestbook at www.schrefflerfuneralhomes.com

Dorothy R Herscher

January 19, 1929 - October 2, 2015

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Dorothy R Herscher

January 19, 1929 - October 2, 2015

365 Days of Grief Support

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