Obituaries

Jacob Floyd Herzog

Obituary

Our dad, Jacob Floyd Herzog, 70, of Duvall, Washington, passed away on August 18, 2024, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Despite living with cancer for over four years, he maintained his positivity, and inspiring faithfulness to God. 

Jacob was born on December 29, 1953, to Floyd and Rosella Herzog in Saginaw, Michigan. He grew up on a farm in the quaint, German-settled town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, where he thrived both academically and athletically. Jake was an Eagle Scout, student council president, a state competitor in oration, and captain of the varsity football team at Frankenmuth High School graduating in 1972. Jake’s many achievements secured him a full scholarship to Oakland University, where he pursued a degree in human resources, graduating in 1976.

During his first weekend at Oakland University, Jake, like many college freshmen, attended a party. Little did he know that this would be the day he met the love of his life, Ruth. The couple married on October 9, 1976, at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Both shared a dream of "heading out west," and they spent their six-week honeymoon exploring the stunning landscapes beyond the Rockies, ultimately feeling drawn to settle in the Pacific Northwest. Soon after, Jake secured a sales position at KCMS, a Seattle-based Christian music station, solidifying their calling to a life in western Washington.

In the years that followed, Jacob and Ruth welcomed four children. They built a charming log home nestled in the woods near Duvall, Washington, where Jake delighted in transforming the property into a childhood paradise for his kids. Whether it was constructing monkey bars down the hallway, indoor swing sets, or ziplines among the trees, he loved applying his practical skills to create a joyful and imaginative home. Always a supportive presence, Jake attended every sports game and event, celebrating each child’s milestones with pride and encouragement.

Jacob dedicated over 40 years to his work at KCMS, retiring in 2019. In these later years, Jake continued his love of building and woodworking and enjoyed hosting lively bonfires and barbecues with his grown children and friends. These gatherings sparked spirited discussions on current events and politics, as well as more profound conversations about faith and God, all highlighted by his boisterous and inviting laugh. He particularly treasured his role as Opa, which inspired him to craft bigger and better swing sets, playhouses, and ziplines for his seven beloved grandchildren.

Jacob is survived by his children, Aaron (Kelsey) Herzog, Rebekah (Jason) Pearson, Sarah (Samuel) Kauzlarich, and Seth (Ashley) Herzog; his grandchildren, Elias, Ella, Ezra, Judah, Clara, Leo, and Gwen; his brother Neil (Ruth) Herzog; and many extended family members who loved him. Jacob was reunited in heaven with his beloved wife Ruth, and parents, Floyd and Rosella.

In reflecting on Ruth’s passing, Jake envisioned her never-ending joy in heaven, embraced by the God who, as Psalm 139 reminds us, plans our days even before we are born. With that same assured faith, we find comfort in knowing Jake and Ruth met again at his first weekend party in heaven.

Jake’s patience, wisdom, unwavering love, and deep devotion to both faith and family touched the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren, his dedication to his family and community, and the countless memories he created. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Remlinger Farms (32610 NE 32nd St, Carnation, WA 98014) on November 9, 2024, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Valley Foursquare Church https://www.valleyfoursquare.com/online-giving or World Concern at https://worldconcern.org/.