John Hergert, Jr

John was born to Kathryn Lauck Hergert and John Hergert on June 16, 1925. He was the 5th of nine children: Bill, Sara, Elvera, Laurene, Delores, Ailene, Donald and Carol JoAnn.

John convinced his father to sign for him to join the Navy. On his 18th birthday, John left for boot camp training at Farragut, ID. In September, 1943, he joined the crew of the USS Princeton. The USS Princeton took part in 21 battle combat missions. Campaigns included Solomon, Marshall, Carolina, Mariana and Philippine Islands. On October 24, 1944 the USS Princeton was bombed and sank by a single Japanese Bomb.

John was employed at Rocky Flats for 28 years and retired in 1980.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed many fishing trips with his son David as well as brother Dan and brothers-in-law. Hunting, skiing and golf were also on the list. He got his first hole-in-one on January 10, 2006.

John played Santa Clause to all the young nieces and nephews for a number of years.

For 16 years, John, Arlene and Schatzie spent the winter months in Mazatlan in a comfortable motorhome bumming around, golfing with all the snowbirds from Canada and the United States.

John was a great storyteller in including accents. Everyone looked forward to his jokes at family gatherings.

John was preceded in death by his son, David, daughter, Lynn and grandson David James Christenson.He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Arlene, granddaughters Lisa Christenson, Teresa Hergert Reimer, great-granddaughter Jaymie Lynn Christenson, sisters Sara, Elvera, Delores, Ailene, Carol JoAnn, brother Don and 24 nephews and nieces.

He was loved by all of us and will greatly missed.

Visitation 6-8pm, Thurs. Dec. 26 at Olinger Crown Hill. Graveside Service, Fri. Dec. 27 11:15 am at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging area "C". Reception to follow Olinger Crown Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project PO BOX 758517 Topeka, KS 66675 or Collier Hospice, 3210 Lutheran Parkway, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.