William Herholtz

Bill was born May 13, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan to Louise Josephine (Peters) and George Edward Herholtz. He graduated from Pontiac Central High School in 1960.

Bill was drafted and joined the Navy in 1966. After completing basic training and a six month hospital corpsman school, Bill was assigned to Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. Bill served with the third Marines in Viet Nam in 1968 and 1969.

After he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, Bill began working with his father in their Grand Rapids Beltone office. Later, he assumed the full responsibility of the business when his father passed in 1973.

Bill, his wife, Alice, and their four children moved to Colorado Springs in July 1984 from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bill and Alice accepted a Beltone Hearing Aid office that was not functioning. Within six months, the operation was productive, and eventually it grew to three offices in Colorado Springs, one in Pueblo, one in Canon City and one in Salida employing 12 people. Bill and Alice won the prestigious President’s Cup for 1990, which was Beltone’s 50th anniversary. The Presidents Cup is the highest award given by Beltone to its dispensers in the U.S. and Canada. The designation is based on specific criteria including customer service, overall satisfaction, professionalism, tenure, involvement in company activities, and community service. Achieving this award was the completion of a 10 year goal and lifelong ambition. A formal celebration of this major accomplishment was held at the Broadmoor Hotel with over 150 guests in attendance on February 2, 1991. Bill and Alice were the 33rd recipients of this prestigious award.

Bill was vice president of the Colorado Hearing Aid Society (CHAS) in 1986-87 and served as president in 1988-89. He served as a member of the CHAS’ board of trustees for the remainder of his career. Bill was also elected governor of the International Hearing Society from 1992 to 1994.

Bill passed the baton for the family business to his son Dr. William Herholtz III in 2002. Then Bill and Alice returned to Beltone in Denver, opening four offices. Bill retired from Beltone on January 1, 2009. Between Bill and Alice, they have a combined 70 years of service in the hearing industry.

Bill is a 32nd degree Mason, and he has been a Shriner for more than 40 years. He is also a member of the El Jebel Duffers and the El Jebel Temple Guard. He is a Life Time Member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, where he is affiliated with Doric Lodge 342.

Bill is a proud member of the American Legion Post 103 (Littleton, Colorado). He is also a member of the Good-Guys Rod and Custom Association.

In Bill and Alices’ free time, they both enjoyed playing golf as often as they could. Bill was also an avid fisherman, especially enjoying trips to Minnesota and Michigan in search of the “big one.”

Bill and Alice were active members of the First Evangelical Free Church in Colorado Springs.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved cousin, Margaret “Peggy” Murphy of Seattle, Washington.

Survived by his wife, Alice, his son Bill (Lara) Herholtz, Colorado Springs; son Eric Herholtz, Detroit, Michigan; daughter Lisa Bath (Colorado Springs), son Bill (Tricia) DeHaan, Colorado Springs; sister Karen (Ron) Swensson, Parker, Colorado; and sister Jeannie (Randy) Birndorf, Longmont, Colorado. Also survived by grandchildren Kymberly, Josef, Thomas, Samuel, Rhett, Kendall, and Madison, and several nieces and nephews and their children.

A visitation is scheduled from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2011, Swan-Law Funeral Director’s. The funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday October 18, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., First Evangelical Free Church, 820 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Shrine Office, 4525 W. 50th Avenue, Denver, CO 80212