Please accept our much belated condolences on the passing of your father. We saw him last at an ISU women's basketball game (our son's wife played from '01-'05) & chatted for a bit. That's where we had learned of your mom's passing. We attended Faith Lutheran from 1981-1994 and then left Marion to raise our sons in Center Point-Urbana area. I'm sure you miss him dearly. May you be comforted knowing he's in his Father's house... Sincerely, the Bishop's
Phil & Shelley Bishop
September 25, 2015
My deepest sympathy to a great teacher and coach.
Craig Pike
July 28, 2015
My husband and I both had Herk as a teacher at Kennedy. He was one of the best, and we were so sad to hear this news. He will be missed by many who appreciated how he cared for every student and recognized the different abilities that each individual has. What a great guy the world has lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Paige Swartzendruber
July 28, 2015
Bill Herkelman taught both of my children, Emily and Reid Bartholomew, at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was an incredible person and a sweet and kind person. He was patient with students for whom math did not come easily and knew how to challenge students who were naturals in math. I have one of each. He was the best of the best and his teaching methods, style, and strategies should be studied and modeled by today's educators. He will be truly missed.
ellie kramer
July 28, 2015
Herk was great guy and will be missed by everyone that knew him. He was a great role model for all of his students and athletes. He touched the lives of many people.
Steve Archibald
July 28, 2015
Herk was an incredible coach and teacher, and an even better person. He had a big influence on my life, and made me a better player and person. Many people have told me he had a positive impact on them too. He lived for Kennedy, the basketball and baseball programs over the years, and his players. I remember him always being very positive and encouraging to his players and students. I am so glad the field was renamed in his honor last year. He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Steve Schnoebelen
July 28, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family during this difficult time. May Bill's soul and the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace.
Mark & Shelly Larson
July 28, 2015
Very sorry to hear of the loss of herk. He will be missed. I always looked forward to him saying Robbie how are the Hawks going to be this year! May he rest in peace. God bless bob , Jim, jerry, and Dwight robinson
Bob robinson
July 28, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers have been with Herk's family and friends. He was an outstanding, teacher, coach and mentor for so many. He will be missed. He made a difference!
Randy and Sue Clapp - Kennedy 1973, Coby Clapp '98 and Chad Clapp '00
Clapp Family
July 28, 2015
Mentors that influence our lives are Teachers, Coaches. I was Blessed to have Coach "Hawkeye" Herkelman impact my life. As John Wooden said, " You haven't taught until they have learned", Coach met that Goal. Coach always was there for everyone and lived his passions in life. I will keep the family uplifted during this time and cherish the great memories. Praise be to the Lord for Coach
Drew Washburn
July 28, 2015
Herk was an amazing teacher and even better man that was the first teacher to make math make sense for me. I will never get a haircut without thinking of his joke of which hair did you get cut? My deepest condolences and heaven is better off having Herk up there. Thousands of students are better people for having had Herk in their lives!!
Shawn Smith
July 27, 2015
Mr. Herkelman was my math teacher for two years at Kennedy High School. He was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. When I think of Bill, I think of his lighthearted sense of humor in the classroom and his love of Herky the Hawk. Mr. Herkelman had such a talent of engaging students to learn through some laughing along the way. He was patient with me as I asked questions while also encouraging through his words. I worked very hard in his class, and things did not come easy to me; however, he told me something enduring that stays with me to this day - that my perseverance and determination would pay off, and that he would rather teach someone who had to work at something rather than someone having natural knowledge. I many times wished I didn't have to work so hard, but his words gave me comfort and encouragement. This encouraged me to continue working hard and sometimes I even apply that to my life in the business world today. Mr. Herkelman impacted my life in such a positive way, and always made me feel so good as a person and as a student. My heart goes out to the family and I feel so blessed to have had Mr. Herkelman as my math teacher!!! Cheryl McColley (Funke) Class of 2000
Cheryl McColley
July 27, 2015
Heaven gained a wonderful man, coach, mentor and teacher. As we celebrate his life and read these messages, we can see how dearly he was loved, respected and admired. Our sympathy and condolences to all his family during this time of sorrow.
Dave and Rachel Rose
Class of 86
Dave Rose
July 27, 2015
Herk was one of my all time favorite teachers. Once in class, he asked me for the answer for one of the math problems on the board. I sat in the very last row and told him I couldn't see the board. He wasn't happy. "Peifer, how can you get A's in my class if you can't see the board!" Since I was flustered, I think I said because I studied hard. But the real reason was because he was an awesome teacher. He moved me to the front row immediately and I think I was wearing glasses by the next week. My deepest condolences to the family. Tom Peifer, class of 1985.
Tom Peifer
July 27, 2015
The Spier family sends heartfelt condolences! Coach Herkleman was the assistant baseball coach when our dad Lloyd Spier was head coach at Kennedy so we got to know the family quite well! I imagine Herk and our dad are now strategizing baseball!
Jackie Spier Lynch, Jen Spier Keedy, Julie Spier Pauly
July 27, 2015
Had a difficult time relaying the information about the passing of Herk to our four kids. He was a special mentor to all of them...in baseball and in math. Herk's coaching our sons was a pleasure to watch since my husband is also a stickler for rules and the correct way to play the game. Herk was influential in our daughter's math abilities. She was ill one week and he was so generous to offer to come to our home to tutor her so she wouldn't lose too much ground. Many stories of the generosity of this good, compassionate gentle man. Know you must be so proud of this man in your lives. God's many blessing to you, Kristine, Stan and Dan and other family members as you grieve and share memories of your husband and father. Herk was well loved. In deepest sympathy and peace, The Dave Monk family
Jan Monk
July 27, 2015
It was our privilege to know Bill as a colleague and a friend. We were also parent of two of his students. In every way it was a privilege to work with him and value his influence on students and friends. We celebrate all he did while he was here.
Mary Jane and Bill Jacobson
Wm and Mary Jane Jacobson
July 27, 2015
I was luck to have had Herk as a math teacher. What a great man. He will truly be missed. My thought and prayers go out to the family.
Cathy Lebo
July 27, 2015
Having been blessed to know Coach Herk as a family friend – coaching and teaching with my dad – and then being lucky enough to have him as a math teacher and sophomore football coach, you couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and educator to know growing up. There are still times I smile at his sayings and thoughts on life both in the classroom and on the playing/practice field. As great of a teacher and coach as he was, he was an even better person! RIP Coach.
Scott Reed
July 27, 2015
The Spier family sends heartfelt condolences! Coach Herkleman was the assistant baseball coach when our dad Lloyd Spier was head coach at Kennedy so we got to know the family quite well! I imagine Herk and our dad are now strategizing baseball!
Jackie Spier Lynch, Jen Spier Keedy, Julie Spier Pauly
July 27, 2015
Our family was saddened to hear of Mr. Herkelman's passing. The gifts he shared as a brilliant math teacher and "life coach" for our kids and all his KHS students did not go unnoticed. How often does a teenager come home and share what a great MATH class they had or share some words of wisdom from "Herk"?
May he find eternal rest and peace in the arms of God.
Our sympathies to his family at this time of sadness. May your days ahead be a bit brighter when you share your cherished memories together.
Gail Sladek
July 27, 2015
A GIANT among teachers (& coaches) - all three of our kids were so lucky to him for KHS math classes. They ALL thought him to be one of the BEST teachers, if not their all time favorite. A teacher affects eternity; he never knows where his influence stops.
God bless Mr. Herkelman - what a legacy you have left among thousands of students and student athletes - may you rest in peace . . . .
Ida Martin Sorensen
July 27, 2015
I used to do my homework assignments on his chalk board during lunch hour. He would share pieces of his apple and talk sports. He always kept track of the number of days he was alive on the chalk board next to his desk. Will never forget. Felt so lucky to be part of his first year back as assistant coach my senior season. All time greatest teacher and friend, will miss you Herk.
Mark Bennett Jr
July 27, 2015
I've tried to write three times and cannot get the words right. As a player or a parent (or both), our families had the pleasure of knowing Herk as a coach, teacher and, in later life, an ear to lend. To the outsider, initial impressions could perceive Coach as gruff. It took one practice or one class to know Coach had your best interest at heart. Think about it...he mentored generations of student/athletes. I was fortunate enough to perform athletically at the college and professional level after high school. Having played some sort of organized sport from nine years old to my late 20's, I encountered many coaches along the way. Looking back, there were 2-3 that truely made an impression. Coach Herkelman ('Herk') was one of those few.
I hold the utmost respect for Coach and extend my thoughts and sympanthy to the family.
Chuck Johnson
July 27, 2015
I have so many fond memories of Coach Herkelman back in high school. He was an excellent math teacher and was instrumental in my desire to major in math at Luther College. He not only was a great baseball coach, but also was our sophomore basketball coach and assistant to Coach Mike Collis when we took the state title in March, 1972. Since my family lived just a couple of blocks from him, he would often give me a lift home after basketball practice. I also had the pleasure of sitting his boys, Stan & Dan, so he and his wife, Adena, could have a date night out. His nickname for me was simply my first initial, "G". A wonderful teacher, coach, family man, and all-around good guy. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.....
Greg Wymore
July 26, 2015
On behalf of the entire Lloyd Spier family, we'd like to extend our deepest sympathy to your family. Bill and Adena were great friends of my parents. My Dad thought the world of Herk, whom hr coached along side with for many years. Cougar Pride!
Julie Spier Pauly
July 26, 2015
Words cannot express how sad I was to learn of Herk's passing. He was a true professional, expert teacher, mentor and friend. It seems like yesterday his students were lined up to express their support when his first wife passed, I remember it really touched him. I sincerely give my deepest condolences and best wishes to his friends and family.
Ian Willis
July 26, 2015
The Spier family sends heartfelt condolences! Coach Herkleman was the assistant baseball coach when our dad Lloyd Spier was head coach at Kennedy so we got to know the family quite well! I imagine Herk and our dad are now strategizing baseball!
Jackie Spier Lynch, Jen Spier Keedy, Julie Spier Pauly
July 26, 2015
Thanks for letting us stand on your shoulders as we reached higher in terms of community and coaching! I'm cheering for the Cougars during the course of the tournament, knowing they'll have a little lift from a spot where there is never a rainout or a bad hop.
I offer my heartfelt sympathies to family and friends, hoping that a celebration of life can help with the grieving. I know that a celebration is on order because I know one of your sons as a business colleague and the fruit definitely fell close to the tree.
Jeff Thorsteinson
July 26, 2015
We send our deepest sympathy to your family
Bob and Mary Kidd
July 26, 2015
Your family is in the prayers of my family.
Please feel free to go to the following URL for a few words concerning how Herk has had an influence on others.
https://www.facebook.com/rick.blackwell.1238/posts/594888153298?notif_t=like
May the Peace of the Lord be with You.
Rick Blackwell
July 26, 2015
Sending my deepest sympathies to your family. Herk was an amazing teacher who developed my love for math and was an inspiration to me becoming a teacher. He will be greatly missed.
Sabrina (Pierson) Whitlock
July 26, 2015
Herk is the definition of "a good man". Our family has been blessed to know him!
Jim and Percy Caviness
July 26, 2015
my sincerest condolences to your family. Herk was my favorite teacher and such a great guy. Gave him a Walter Payton Wheaties box which he kept up on the chalk board. I appreciated the great lessons he gave. my thoughts and prayers are with him and your family.
Brock Worley
July 26, 2015
Our sympathy goes out from my family to Coach Herkelman's family and will hold everyone that knew "Herk" in our thoughts and prayers. He could very well be the top math teacher Kennedy ever had and though baseball was his game, I feel fortunate to have learned so much from him in sophomore basketball back in the late 60's/early 70's. What a terrific individual throughout his lifetime! We could learn so much from Mr. Herkelman!! He will be on top of his game in heaven with the Lord!!!
Randy Krejci
Randy Krejci
July 26, 2015
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of my favorite teacher at Kennedy. I am a 1987 graduate and I have thought of him often throughout the years. He was truly a remarkable teacher and person. I am so sorry for your loss.
Anjee (Anderson) Kutz
July 26, 2015
Mr. Herkelman was my math teacher and coach while at the Maquoketa Junior High School. Solid teacher that made learning enjoyable. My sympathy to his family.
David Kleis
July 26, 2015
Mr. Herkelman was a great math teacher. He taught me in 1962 at Lost Nation, IA. I would like to extend my sympathy to his family.
Vicki Maley
July 26, 2015
We will miss Bill at church with his jokes and dry humor. He was great to be around and will be greatly missed at Faith Lutheran Church. Rest in peace Herk!
Dave & Kathy Gerlach
July 26, 2015
Kristine and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Lori Mallett
July 26, 2015
Bill was my Junior High math teacher at Maquoketa, Ia. This was probably early in his career. He was a great teacher and great person.
Chuck Wendel
July 26, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go to his family. He was my math teacher at Harding and Kennedy and the only teacher I knew who ever sat down with you and explained anything you didn't understand. He was an inspiration to me and I have thought of and spoken of him many times over the years. The world has lost a true gem.
Karen (Bell) Oliver
July 26, 2015
What a positive impact Herk had on so many young people for so many years. Herk was one of those unique individuals that we were all better for having known him, you will be missed Herk,
RIP
Phil Katz
July 26, 2015
Bill gave us so much. What a great life he lived. Sympathy to his tremendous family and anyone who ever knew him who are shocked and suffering now.
Marv Trachta
July 26, 2015
Herk will be missed. What an honor it was to be a colleague of one of the greatest. He made a huge impact on students and teachers alike. I will miss talking baseball with such a passionate sports fan.
Miranda Arends
July 26, 2015
I'm so thankful to have had Herk as a friend for the past 47 years. I will continue to try to "take two and hit to right".
Ed Miller
July 26, 2015
I am greatful that I had the opportunity to cross paths with such a great human being. Herk's humor, compassion, and ability to reach any student was what will stick with me. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and all that are mourning the loss of this epic Cougar!
Brian Voss
July 25, 2015
To Herk's family: my love and sympathy to you all. I am a 1990 graduate of JFK and keep fond memories of whom we all know and love as "Herk". He will be missed by many. May you find some comfort in knowing how many lives he touched. Thinking of you all.
Connie Piehl
July 25, 2015
Mr. Herkelman was one of my favorite teachers at JFK. He was one of those great teachers who challenged students, but also made tough subjects really interesting. He made an impact in students' lives.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to all his family.
Kathy Quinby-Johnson
July 25, 2015
Herk was an amazing person and teacher. Who else could make Trig interesting and learnable?! He was by far one of my favorite teachers and a favorite of almost everyone, students, teachers, and parents alike. I can't tell you how sad this makes me. My love and prayers to his family and all who considered him an honorary part of there families.
Megan Begley
July 25, 2015
I was fortnate to have Mr. Heckleman, better known as "Herk" as my math teacher my senior year of high school in 2006 at Kennedy. Herk was so much more than a teacher to me, he was someone I looked up to, admired, and appreciated for all of his help, kindness and generosity! Herk's dedication to helping students succeed in the classroom and beyond is one of the reasons why I decided to become a teacher myself. I have many fond memories from Herk's class, he truly made Kennedy a great place and was one of the best! My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family, Herk will be missed by many, but his legacy will forever live on in our hearts!
Abbey Losch
July 25, 2015
Herk was one of the best. Blessed to have known and worked with him.
Mark and Kathy Wilden
July 25, 2015
Herk was loved by all and will be greatly missed. I never had him as a teacher, but I lived in his neighborhood and during his walks he was always glad to stop and chat. He always kept his eyes out to keep his kids safe. God bless your family.
Laura Dyrland
July 25, 2015
Kristine, Dan & Becky, Stan and the rest of the family, you have our deepest sympathies with the loss of Herk. He was a fantastic teacher and coach but more importantly a hell of a man that I had the pleasure of knowing my entire life through Kennedy. His advise and humor he used in getting his point across will last with me forever. I am a better person because of this. I am also blessed that my son had a chance to play for him as I did. God bless you all, Dave, Sheila and Noah Cronbaugh.
The Cronbaughs
July 25, 2015