Jack W Herrli

Jack W. Herrli

05/26/1924 - 11/02/2021

GOSHEN- Jack W. Herrli, 97, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, in Sarasota, Florida. Jack was born May 26, 1924, in Elkhart, Indiana to Robert and Bessie M. (Kegerreis) Herrli.  He graduated from Elkhart High School and shortly after graduation he entered the US Air Force on October 21, 1944.  In cadet training, he pursed bombardier navigation.  During WWII in the Pacific, Jack flew in multiple missions in B17s & B29s where he served in the last raid over Japan and was honorably discharged on May 15, 1946.  He loved his time in the sky so much, he became a pilot and owned his own plane.  After returning home from the war, he was set up on a blind date where he met his future wife, Arlene.  They married in 1947 and had two beautiful daughters Sharon and Sandra. 

     After Arlene passed in 2007, at the age of 83 Jack was determined to live life to its fullest. Traveling, dancing, biking for miles and playing tennis with 30-year-olds.  Everything he put his mind to, he did.  In 2016, at his weekly dance lessons, he found the second love of his life, Vi.  He found someone who could keep him on his toes, on the dance floor and in life.  She shared his zest for life and together they set out to explore and see all the world had to offer.  They referred to each other as their “Sweetie Pie”.

     Anyone who knew Jack, knew he was a man of many talents and never stopped moving.  Starting with his 40 years at CTS where he worked maintenance, electrical, and ended his career as a Production Superintendent.  Jack retired at age 58.  He went back to school and received his Aeronautical degree.  He combined all his skills and education and created the perfect equation to get into real estate and investing.  His knowledge to maintain and create gave him the ability to take care of his many rental properties even to the age of 97.  He never retired and had no intention to stop.  His determination and strong work-ethic has been observed by everyone he touched even to his final days.  He was the true patriarch of his family.  He lived his life with strong faith, always thanking God for the blessed life he was grateful to live.  He never missed a Sunday at church.  Jack was a God loving, kind, generous and hardworking man.  He was a hero to all who knew him.  His loved ones will always be honored and fortunate to call him family.  He was truly an exceptional and rare man to walk this earth and share his light with everyone.

     Jack is survived by his second wife Vi Proverbs-Herrli of Goshen, IN; 2 daughters, Sharon Waterman and Sandra Peek both of Goshen, IN; 7 grandchildren, Joe Waterman of Cromwell, IN, Ryan (Christy) Waterman, Jon Waterman both of Goshen, IN, Jennifer (Darin) Diller of Bristol, IN, Michelle (Matt) Beach of Orlando, FL, Melinda Peek of Bradenton, FL and Marlena Peek of Nashville, TN.  Additional survivors include 7 great-grandchildren: 2 siblings, Colleen Allman of Texas, Kenneth R. Herrli of Goshen, IN and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Arlene, 1 brother, Norman Roll and a great-granddaughter, Isabella Peace.

     Funeral services for Jack will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday November 9, 2021, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2222 W. Indiana Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516.  Pastor Paul Anderson will preside and burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola where full military honors will be rendered.  Friends may visit with the family from 11- 1 p.m. at the church of which he was a very active member.

     Waterman-Westbrook-Clouse Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with his care.  Memorial contributions may be given to the church.

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