Herman "Ham" Hertlein

HERTLEIN, Herman Ham , died, as he was born, on the farm that he loved in Vandalia on July 8, 2013. Ham was born to George and Martha Hertlein and served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Central Europe. He married Marilee Dempsey in 1941 and they shared 54 years together before her death in 1995. Ham was a dairy and grain farmer in Butler Township and Vandalia and also owned Hertlein Farm Implement. Ham had ten siblings and was preceded in death by Russell (Red), Arthur, Marie Weitendorf, Ruth Borel, Harold, Robert, George and Dorothy. He is survived by three children, Tom & Diane Hertlein, Linda & Chuck Bantner, and Lori & Ed Schroerluke. He has five grandchildren, Angi & Chad Lynd, Erin & Josh Hessler, Tommy Hertlein, Zak Bantner & George Schroerluke. Ham has two great-grandchildren, Zoie and Ryder Lynd. He is also survived by two beloved brothers, John & Mary Alice Hertlein of Georgetown, and Pete and Peggy Hertlein of Martinsville. Dad was a true American farmer who loved the land and was happiest out in the field behind a team of draft horses or a Massey Ferguson tractor. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, July 12, at St. Christopher Church with Fr. Francis Keferl officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Grove Cemetery. Family will receive guests at the church one hour prior to the service. In recognition of Dads love of farming, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aullwood Audubon Farm Discovery Center, 1000 Aullwood Rd., Dayton, OH 45414. Man, despite his accomplishments, owes his life to a six inch layer of soil and the fact that it rains . Arrangements entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.