Obituary

Jean Herzog, age 76 of Phoenix, AZ died December 3, 2018, in Surprise, AZ.  She was born June 10, 1942, in Hannibal, MO to John and Velda Rowden.  Jean was the youngest daughter in her family of seven children and had four brothers and 2 sisters.  She enjoyed growing up on her family’s farm and was always grateful to have learned the skills needed to take care of her own family.  As a young woman, Jean loved getting into mischief with her older sisters.  Dancing was one of her favorite pastimes and she could be found occasionally visiting local establishments.  She met a young, hardworking man named Victor as she and her boyfriend were giving him a ride back and forth to work in December of 1960.  They were married in February of 1961.  Though it seemed to be a whirlwind romance, their marriage lasted 57 years, 10 months and 1 day, and produced 4 children.

Generous, loving and caring, Jean was born to be a mother.  Not only did she raise her four children, but she and Victor welcomed more than 30 other individuals into their family over the years, giving them food, shelter, love, and support.  Jean was ready to take in anyone on a moment’s notice; friends instantly became a part of her family.  Her home was always full of hugs, not handshakes, and everyone was loved unconditionally.

Jean was employed at Motorola and the Sperry Corporation where she made circuit boards, but her favorite job was working in the shoe department at a very busy Kmart.  She loved the responsibility and the interaction with the public.  It wasn’t long before she became the “store mom.”  Jean and Victor worked hard together providing for the family but also made time to make memories.  They often went camping and Jean would prepare a feast of beans, potato salad, and cinnamon rolls.  She enjoyed the occasional luxuries like a week-long trip to Disneyland, Knot’s Berry Farm and other California attractions.

In her spare time, Jean liked to crochet and work on word puzzles.  She loved watching TV, never missing “the judges,” Love Comes Softly, Wheel of Fortune,  or her absolute favorite Chip and Joanna Gaines.  She also loved watching westerns, enjoying every scene as if it were her first time watching.  Her zest for life and love for others was always evident in every aspect of her life!

Jean is survived by her husband, Victor L. Herzog; daughter, Tina Troyanek (Dave); sons, Victor (Roy) Herzog, Bert Herzog (Sonya), and David Herzog; sister, Alma Billington; brothers, Thomas and Richard Rowden; and nine grandchildren, Stephanie (Pete), Josh, Ashley, Alexa, Alyssa, Alison (Carlos), Easton, Camille, and Noelle.  She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Velda Rowden.

A visitation will be held at 10:30 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:45 am, Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at Christ Church of the Valley, 15025 N 19^th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85023.  Burial will take place at 1:30 pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.  Immediately following the graveside service will be an Open House reception at Christ Church Assembly of God, 22225 N 27^th Ave, Phoenix, AZ  85027.