Hertzler, Ralph H. (1886-1939)

Evening Kansan-Republican obituary: 1939 Mar 31 p. 1

Birth date: 1886 Jun 14

text of obituary:

DOCTOR RALPH H. HERTZLER PASSES

Eminent Physician Died Thursday Afternoon Heart Attack

This community today mourns the passing of a highly valued citizen, one of its successful physicians and a loyal, patriotic, considerate husband, father, companion and friend, in the death of Dr. Ralph H. Hertzler.

Dr. Hertzler suffered a heart attack on the street Thursday afternoon about 2:30 and stepped into the Richerts studio where he sat down. The attack not passing off, he finally asked that a physician be called, and an ambulance was also summoned and he was taken to Bethel hosital, where he passed away at 4:30. Dr. Hertzler had experienced a severe heart attack about a year ago, and remained in bed a few weeks. He was fully cognizant of his condition, and had talked with associated physicians and friends about it, and this knowledge served somewhat to soften the severity of the blow upon his family.

Dr. Hertzler will be taken to the home at 120 South Pine this evening to remain until 11:00 a. m. Saturday, when he will be taken to the First Methodist church where he will lie in state until the hour of the funeral, which will be at the church at 3:00 p. m. in charge of the Rev. Samuel W. Keller, pastor. He was a faithful member of that church, and for many years was the teacher and leader of the Kum-Dubble young people's Bible class, giving up the work when his health became uncertain. Friends and companions of many years will act as pall bearers, George Wolz, C. W. Claassen, Dr. George H. Lewis, W. K. Smith, Abe Quiring, Harold Harper, John B. Heffelfinger and Leonard J. Nelson. Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery.

Dr. Hertzler was a sone of John Henry and Emma M. (Kainmermeyer) Hertzler. He was born at Burlington, Ia., June 14, 1886, and wasa 52 years, nine months and 16 days old. Receiving his preparatory schooling in Iowa, he entered the medical college of Northwestern University, where he graduated. Soon thereafter he came to Newton in July 1910, and established his practice here, proving successful, specializing in obstetrics. For many years, or until his first heart attack, he maintained offices at 609 1/2 Main, with Dr. George H. Lewis, dentist, and since that time has had his office at Bethel hospital, being a valued member of the Bethel clinic. Building operations at the Bethel hospital will be stopped during the funeral services Saturday.

Dr. Hertzler was among the first Newton men to enlist for service overseas in the World War. He was commissioned a captain in the medical corps and was over there until the end. He was a member of the American Legion.

While in Europe, Dr. Hertzler wrote letters consistently to his wife and close friends at home, giving his intimate impressions of conditions and what the war was like. On his return, the letters having been preserved, he compiled them with suitable introduction and comment, and they were published in booklet form, entitled "C'est le Guerre" (It is War). Those having copies of this booklet prize them highly.

He was married at Colorado Springs, July 21, 1912, to Mary Inghram, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Inghram of this city. To them were born two children, Mrs. James (Elizabeth) Hertzler, of Akron, Oh., who will arrive in Newton tonight, and William Ralph (Bill) who is at the home with Mrs. Hertzler. The doctor's mother, Mrs. John H. Hertzler and a brother, Chester J. Hertzler, also survive and reside at 123 South Pine. Dr. Ralph was a second cousin of Dr. Arthur E. Hertzler, of Halstead. They were warm friends and have had much in common.

His generation produced no finer type of citizen and public servant, nor one more faithful and conscientious, sympathetic and understanding, than Dr. Ralph Hertzler. In his younger days he enjoyed sports and was an adept at such recreational pursuits as he entered. He was a genial, companionable, quiet and considerate at all times. His place in the community will never be completely filled.