Katherine Amelia Hercher

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Katherine Amelia Hercher on August 10th, 2026, at the age of 29. Kate died of a pulmonary embolism that had no signs or symptoms. EMTs reached her quickly, but there was nothing that could be done. She was at her home in Eugene, getting ready for work when this tragedy occurred. We are grateful her dear friend and roommate, Nate, was with her.

Kate was born in Dallas, Oregon, on December 30th, 1996, to John and Wendi Hercher of Salem, Oregon. Her formal education began at the Montessori school near her dad’s workplace, where Kate learned to read, swim, and get along with lots of other kids. Her first trip to the pumpkin patch provided a special delight. She attended Brush College Elementary School, where she blossomed into a strong student who enjoyed reading, math, and playing bass in the school orchestra. She ran with her friends in the Awesome 3000 all through elementary school and enjoyed intramural basketball and volleyball. At Walker Middle School, Kate continued to play bass in the orchestra while also taking up volleyball and cross-country. She had her mom, as well as some of her mom’s friends, as teachers. A graduate of West Salem High School, Kate worked hard to excel in her classes while participating in Mock Trial and various science competitions her sophomore and junior years. During her senior year, her interest turned to school government, where she served as the student body president. Kate was an honors student at Oregon State University, where she received two Bachelor of Science degrees - one in Political Science with an emphasis in International Law, the other in Economics with an emphasis in Public Policy/Political Economy.

After college, Kate moved to Eugene to begin her career with the Lane Council of Governments, where she served as a Lead in the Senior and Disability Services division. This past year, she also took on the job of union president and, along with a team of co-workers, helped successfully negotiate the current 5-year contract. She was very proud of that accomplishment. At LCOG, Kate made many good friends with whom she enjoyed spending time. Whether going to karaoke, concerts, restaurants, hiking, gaming, or just hanging out, she was always primed to have fun and brought her infectious enthusiasm along. During this time, Kate also became interested in salsa dancing and was excited to join Rumbanana, a Cuban salsa group located in Corvallis. She looked forward to attending the annual Salsa Festival in San Francisco each year to continue her practice.

Her parents had the absolute joy of her presence for 29 years. From an early age, Kate was taken hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, backpacking, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, paddle-boarding, and traveling. She has been all over the United States and Europe many times, with Paris being her favorite city. She had many adventures and did a lot of living in her short 29 years.

She is survived by her parents, John and Wendi Hercher of Salem, Oregon; uncles David (Alicia), Steve (Hana), Joel, and Shawn; aunts Ann (Andy), Tracey (David), and Holly (Max); cousins Josh, Lizzy, Andrew, Laura (PJ), Jachym, Whitney, Will, Ashley (Tony), Kiel, Quinn (Rachel), Tanner, Trystyn (Ruth), Owen, and Lauren; and grandfather Maury (Carroll).

The Celebration of Kate’s Life will be held on Sunday, October 11, at 1:00 pm at Pringle Hall Community Center in Salem.