LTC (Ret.) Stephen J. “Steve” Herczeg, Sr. died on June 20, 2022 at Piedmont Midtown Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. He was born in Muncie Indiana on September 21, 1959 to Shelia Bedoe Herczeg and Stephen R. Herczeg.
Steve was commissioned as an Armor Officer in 1983, as the ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate at Purdue University. He served on active duty for 21 years and, upon retirement from military service, he continued to serve the regiment as a civilian. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal, Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak-leaf clusters, and the Bronze Star with Valor Device. He also has the Master Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge. Steve served during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Steve’s military career cannot be summed up in mere words; the gravity of the impact of his leadership and mutual respect on those with whom he served will be his legacy.
Steve is also survived by his son, Chris Brennan (Vicki), grandchildren Jacob, Sam and Ruby, Jacksonville, FL; His daughter Katie (Barry); grandchildren Carson, Derek and Anna, Corvalis, MT; His brother Scott Herczeg (Sandy) and his two nieces Jordan and Kaitlyn and his great niece Isla, Mishawaka, IN; his sister, Sara Curran (Shawn) and his niece Meghan.
Steve is also survived by his sweetheart, Tamela Herczeg, children Austin Herczeg (Jen), Blaine, MN; Michael Herczeg (Amanda) and grandson Lolek, US Army, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; They enjoyed spending time together at the beach, walking and bike riding. What brought them the most joy together was spending time with their blended family of children and grandchildren. He was a loving partner, father, brother and Papa who will be greatly missed by all who knew and especially loved him.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra Jolene Herczeg and his son Stephen John, Herczeg, Jr.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd Columbus, Georgia. Family will visit with friends from 1:00 PM until time of the service at 2:00 PM. Burial with military honors will take place in Parkhill Cemetery on Monday June 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of the following: Army Emergency Relief Fund at www.armyemergencyreleif.org or to The Padre Pio Foundation of America at www.padrepio.com.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.shcolumbus.com with the Herczeg family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Herczeg family.
