Joseph Robert Hertz

83, of Indianapolis passed away June 29, 2014. He was born in Indianapolis on March 1, 1931 to the late Robert W. Sr., and Florence (Round) Hertz. He was preceded in death by a son, Patrick J.; and sister, Marilyn A. Rhinaman. Joe was a proud graduate of St. Patrick’s Grade School, Cathedral High School, Class of 1949, and Marian University where he received a BA Degree in Business and was Class Officer, President of the Veteran’s Club, and Feature Editor of the school newspaper. Joe was a member of the Cathedral and Marian University Alumni Associations, where he served two terms as National President and one year as Interim President. He was the very first recipient of Marian’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1969. Joe served in the U.S. Army, taking basic training, Leadership School in the 101st Airborne at Camp Breckinridge, KY, before taking a 17 day cruise to Japan and then to Korea. In July of 1952, he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry (Indian Head) Division, participating in the defenses of Pork Chop Hill, Old Baldy and Arrowhead Ridge with Love Company – as a Browning Automatic Rifleman. There was a “historical” memory. While on Koje-do Island, he was caught playing subtle, but demeaning pranks on the company commanders in the weekly newspaper for over two months. Colonel Stilwell cursed, chewed and threatened to run Joe into the (bleep) Yellow Sea. This became noteworthy only after Stilwell, Jr. became a Brigadier General commanding the Green Berets. A favorite quote was “I was ripped by the best” (General Stilwell, Sr. was a WWII war hero). Joe was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant earning six service medals, three campaign stars and the highly coveted Combat Infantrymen’s Badge. Joe spent his entire career in the class ring business: Herff Jones, Balfour and J. Lewis Small Companies – shipping, trophy, and die departments, sales representative, sales manager, administrative vice president and company artist. He was a member of the 2nd Infantry Division and Combat Infantrymen Associations, life member of the VFW and the 23rd Infantry Regiment Associations. A 60 year member of the American Legion Kennington Post #34, past member of the Elwood Elks, The Antelope Club and the Twin Lakes Golf Club. Joe was a former co-owner of the Mecca Club with his dearly beloved wife, soul mate, golf mate, life-long companion and best friend, Anita, who survives. Also: daughters, Karen (Jim) McDonald and Jamie Smith; sons, Jay (Kathleen) and Michael J.; siblings, Robert, Jr. (Barbara) and Dolores (Bill) Heidenreich; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, July 5, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life at 6:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Rd. Memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral High School and/or Marian University.

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Joseph Robert Hertz

March 1, 1931 - June 29, 2014