Obituary: Jon Hertzke

Jon was born Jan 24, 1937, to George and Cora Hertzke in Boulder. The family moved from the Eastern Slope to Grand Junction, where Jon was graduated from high school. He then attended college at Western State in Gunnison, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s of arts degrees in education.
Jon was an outstanding athlete through high school and college and his skills extended later with his love of golf.
While teaching in Carlin, Nev., he married Lana Capp. Together they had four children: Michelle, Dorie, Joanna and Jon.
Jon coached, taught industrial arts and woodworking in various school systems before teaching and retiring in Meeker. His sincere interest in his students led to lifelong bonds and a humble joy for any contribution he may have made in their lives.
While in Meeker, he met and later married his soul mate, Lora. Together, they shared life for more than 27 years.
Special facets and loves of Jon’s life included gold mining in Montana with his dad, hunting and fishing with his brother George and, of course, sharing special times with his children and grandchildren.
Outside activities included many enjoyable hours on the golf course, contributing his time on the town council as well as serving as mayor.
Jon is survived by his wife, Lora; brother George (Billie) Hertzke, Fruita; four children, Michelle (Gus) Burnum, Athens, Ga.; Dorie (Jef) Leavitt, Plain City, Utah; Joanna (John Drew) Taylor, Centennial; and Jon Hertzke of Washington D.C.
He is also survived by eight beloved grandchildren: Tucker, Kristen and Benjamin Burnum, Emily, Melanie, Amanda and Jacob Leavitt and Alex Taylor. Also many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Jon in death were his father and mother and nephew.