Eric J. Herzog

Eric J. Herzog, age 50, of Bay Port died peacefully Thursday morning, August 29, at his home with his family close by.

He was born March 23, 1963, in Pigeon to Patricia (Nixon) Herzog and the late Vincent Herzog. Eric grew up in the Bay Port/Mud Creek area and graduated from Laker High in 1981 and from Northern Michigan University in 1986. He had been very active in sports while in high school including football, basketball, tennis and track, and also played one year of college football.

On August 2, 1986, he was united in marriage to Deborah Bollenbacher, whom he had met in high school and dated since 1979, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Sebewaing. He and Deb had a love connection that needed no words. They truly enjoyed being with each other, and also loved being with family and friends and of course fishing when he could.

Eric worked in masonry until his father’s passing and became owner of Bay Port Construction in 1989. He was always upbeat and a man of few words, he loved building houses, making sure they were built with superb craftsmanship. Eric was trustworthy and a man of his word. He was very proud of his father’s legacy and has turned over the company to his brother, Jon to follow the same tradition.
He loved his daughter Karlee, and was proud of all of her accomplishments. He knows she will continue to do great things with him watching over her from above.

Eric fought Multiple Myeloma since December of 2011, undergoing surgeries and treatments, two stem cell transplants, with the second one; he received cells from his sister, Michele, which put him in remission. A secondary Myeloma of the skin did not want to cooperate.

Surviving are his wife, Deb; his daughter, Karlee; his mother, Patricia Herzog; brothers, Rob (Tracy) Herzog and Jonathan (Renee) Herzog; sisters, Michele Kenway, Alanna (Jim) Lackie and Jacky Jett; in-laws, Jim and Marilyn Bollenbacher; their children and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Preceding him in death was his brother, Scott.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Monday, September 2, at the Bay Port United Methodist Church. Rev. Brian Johnson, pastor will officiate with cremation to follow.

Friends and family may call at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton from 2 to 8 PM Sunday and at the church after 10 AM Monday.

Memorial gifts may be given to Laker High School Fine Arts, FFA or Athletics or the donor’s choice and words of condolence may be shared at www.cfcelkton.com.