William “Bill” F. Herge, 94, beloved husband of Nancy (Zikeli) Herge, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his residence.
Born in Malinta, OH, he was the son of the late Irvin and Esther M. (Swarts) Herge.
Bill graduated in 1950 from Lincoln High School in Elwood City, PA and in 1952 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Milwaukee School of Engineering. Bill worked in many roles over the years such as an Insurance Construction Consultant at Contract Surety, Installation Superintendent and Electrical Engineer at Diebold/Lamson Division, Missile Technician at General Dynamics, and Service Manager at Herge Radio and Electric Shop. His last two jobs were at Veltek and Assistant Sales Manager at Sears. Bill proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Bill was a very kind and generous man; he was of strong faith in the Lutheran Church and served as Sunday School Superintendent, Council President and Vice President, and Property Chairman in addition to being a serving on boards for the Lutheran Brotherhood and the Property Committee of Bear Creek Camp. Many people viewed Bill as a mentor and “foster father”. He enjoyed working on various home projects, gardening, woodworking, and camping. He was an active member of the Pennsylvania Live Steamers and regularly took his grandchildren there to ride the trains. Bill was a Boy Scout in his youth and a Merit Badge Counselor in adulthood. He was a strong proponent for Habitat for Humanity and the Lutheran Disaster Response. Most of all, Bill loved the time spent with his family.
Surviving in addition to his wife Nancy, are his children; Nancy Jane Beck, wife of Karl; Ralph Jay Herge II, husband of Eileen Adel Herge; Andrea Hamerla, wife of Darrell; Mary Sue Murphy, wife of Christopher; son-in-heart Lenny B. Casper; grandchildren Maria Palamara, wife of Tony Russomanno; C. Jacob Murphy; Dana Rein, wife of Stephen; Erin Hamerla, wife of Ken George Jr.; April Hamerla, wife of Alexx Salembene; Tyler Murphy; Justin Murphy; Amanda Beck; Veronica Severe, wife of Keegan; great-grandchildren Aiden (Diego) Palamara-Rivera; Damien Rein; Amelia Beck; Bernadette Stanchak; Ayden Russomanno; Riley Russomanno; and his beloved dog Holly Belle. He is predeceased by his many dogs over the years.
Services will be held at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 1:00. Visitation will occur from 12:00-1:00. 2725 Egypt Rd, Audubon, PA 19403
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lutheran Disaster Response (elca.org/giving/lutheran-disaster-response), Habitat for Humanity (secure.habitat.org), or Providence Animal Shelter (providenceac.org) in Bill’s name.