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Donald Ray Hertler, Sr., age 85, passed away September 25, 2013, in Canton, Ohio's Aultman Hospital, where he was surrounded with love by family and close friends.
Devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families as a respected teacher and coach at North Canton Hoover High School from 1953 until his retirement in 1981.
Born May 9, 1928 in Bridgeport, Ohio, Don graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1946. He enlisted in the US Army in 1946, and entered Wittenberg College upon completion of his military service. Don received his bachelor's degree in Education in 1951. He began his teaching and coaching career in Marion, Ohio, and in 1953 he and his wife Nancy moved to North Canton to accept a teaching and coaching assignment. Together they raised their family of three daughters and one son in North Canton. Don may be best remembered as North Canton Hoover's head football coach from 1960 to 1980; he never had a losing season. He was also Hoover's Athletic Director for 10 of those 20 years. In addition, Don served the City of North Canton from 1960 to 1967 as Director of Parks and Recreation. He coached numerous all-star teams; ran sectional, district, and regional tournaments; was inducted into a host of Halls of Fame and Halls of Honor; and was a lifetime mentor to many. Over the years, Don received honors and awards for his contributions to school and community, including the re-naming of North Canton's Memorial Stadium to Don Hertler, Sr. Field in 2011. Don also served in leadership capacities (including church council and usher) at North Canton's Zion Lutheran Church.
Don is preceded in death by parents Christian and Doris Hertler; wife of 46 years, Nancy (d.1997); daughter Melinda (d. 2007); and wife of 11 years, Shirley (d. 2012).
Survivors include daughter Rebecca Volkmann (husband Stephen) of Worthington, OH; daughter Susan VanVranken (husband Thomas) of North Canton; son Donald Hertler, Jr. (fiancee Heather Maxwell) of North Canton; grandchildren Jonathan and Benjamin VanVranken and Emily Volkmann; brothers, William (wife Beverly), and James (wife Jean deceased); many cousins, nieces and nephews; and countless beloved friends.
His family invites you to attend calling hours Saturday, November 30th, 4-8pm & a Celebration of Coach Hertler's Life on Sunday, December 1st, 2:00pm with both scheduled at North Canton Hoover High School gymnasium, 525 7th Street, North Canton, OH 44720. A private burial will be held on Monday, December 2nd, at North Canton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to North Canton Sideliners' Club, PO Box 2184, North Canton, OH 44720 Arrangements under the direction of Karlo-Libby Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 23, 2023
School
Don Strausser
Don was a teacher, coach. leader. and friend. he is sadly missed.
September 23, 2019
Student
Don & Sandy Strausser
A great teacher, coach, and family man who lived his life as the role model he was. Sorely missed.
Don & Sandy Strausser
Class of '56 & '59
December 16, 2013
Brian Waltman
In 1987, Don Hertler, Jr. was named head football coach of Sugarcreek Garaway High School, a small school tucked quietly away in the middle of Amish country. Present at every game to support his son, standing alone just beyond the end zone, was Don Hertler Sr. Rumor had it he couldn't take sitting in the stands, he had to be on the field. As the season progressed, and a winning tradition began, it was obvious that the teachings of the quit man in the end zone had taken root in his son. Don loved the game of football, he loved his family, and he loved his players. He always greeted you with smile and a firm handshake, and rarely forgot a name.
“ Upon the fields of friendly strife
Are sown the seeds
That, upon other fields, on other days
Will bear the fruits of victory.” Gen. Douglas MacArthur
Don Sr. sowed those seeds ever day he stepped on that football field, and the fruits of his labor can be found tenfold in his community and beyond.
December 13, 2013
Mark Riefer
Coach Hertler was a helpful mentor and postive influence for me and many others. So sorry we could not attend in person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Mark Riefer and family
October 27, 2013
Janel Albaugh
I was so fortunate to get the opportunity to work at the assisted living home where Don lived. He was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to get to meet him. We'll miss you at the Danbury, Coach. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Hertler family.
October 19, 2013
Carl & Voneta Dolvin
Sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Don Hertler Sr. We have many fond memories! Our sympathy to his family.
October 11, 2013
Robert Michel
Don left a mark on most young men who went through his classes and football teams. I was always impressed with his professionalism and attitude. He was a true winner and installed this in others. Count me as one who is glad our paths crossed. May God bless and comfort you and your family.
October 6, 2013
Dan Michel
Deepest sympathies to the Hertler family from the Michel family. Coach was a major influence on several of us boys that played him. We have many fond memories of our days playing for him. Thanks for everything!!
October 3, 2013
Jeff and Debbie Holliday
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hertler family. I'll miss you coach, thank you for your kindness, wisdom, and guidance.
October 1, 2013
Warren Miller
It was a great pleasure to have known your Dad and coach against him. He was a man with a lot of class. I loved being on Siesta Key with him. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
September 30, 2013
Don and Sandy Strausser
To the Hertler family: Don was one of a kind that you knew what he said and did you could take to the bank.He was an excellent teacher of mine and later a very good friend. I was so glad I got to see him at my wife's last class reunion and enjoyed remembering times at NC. What a big lost to North Canton and the many students, friends, and great athletes he molded over his sucessful career. Our Deepest Sympathy.
Don and Sandy Strausser "Class of '56 and '59.
September 30, 2013
Karen (Guenther) Gruber
Coach, what memories you left my family and I. From Friday night football to family vacations on Siesta Key. You are one in a million. On behalf of the Joe Guenther family, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hey Coach, say hi to my dad up there.
September 30, 2013
Alvin Abbott
The world loses a marvelous gentleman, fair, thoughtful and honest in his every dealing. We who survive him will remember always his balance and patience, as well as his forward looking honesty and humanity. May he rest in peace for the centuries.
September 30, 2013
Corky & Lyn Eck
Your Father influenced and help mold the lives of many young people. I always remember him with that great smile and that sense of humor that had to make you smile. As my brother Jeremiah said, it is truly the end of an era.
September 29, 2013
Marian Knipfer
Having been a student and teacher with Don, I will always remember his super personality and I know that he was a class act. My sincere sympathy is extended to the entire Hertler family.
September 29, 2013
Michael and Patty LaRocco and family
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
September 29, 2013
Pat Murray
Your Dad was a great man sorry for your loss from The Perry Boosters
September 29, 2013
Raelynn Bandurka
Sue so sorry about your dad
September 29, 2013
Philip Sannes
Don challenged us as students, athletes, and people. Those of us lucky enough to have him as a teacher and coach were greatly influenced and inspired by him. We are indebted to him indeed.
September 29, 2013
Gary Storch class of 55
North Canton football and the town lost a good man and a shining example of what we as humans should strive to achieve. Walk humbly and strive to do your very best in all you do!
September 29, 2013
Dan Lampman
Coach, You have no idea how much I respect you and emulated your coaching techniques with every team I ever coached. Also, I wanted to thank you for saving my life. We both know about that and my introduction to coaching. That team had among others, Don Jr. who was a great ballplayer with a terrific attitude. Thanks Coac h; I already miss you.
September 29, 2013
Debbie Carlson kehner
Becky Susie and Donnie
We Carlton's , Kehners and radcliff extend our sympathy to your family. We go way back to fair oaks . Don will be missed by all
But he will be in heaven talking football and watching over all of you
September 29, 2013
Dick Szink
He was one of the best to officiate games for. he's in my prayers
September 29, 2013
Pat Milius
God Bless all of you. I will truly miss Don. He was one of my very best friends.
September 29, 2013
Elizabeth (Kolopus) Wood
Thoughts and prayers for the Hertler family. Stories of fond memories of "Coach" Don will be told for years to come when old friends gather.
September 29, 2013
Dave/Joyce Delaney
A great teacher, a great coach and a great friend! We will always cherish our days of living in North Canton. We were lucky to live near his Florida home too. Dave and our sons enjoyed his golf tournament. Rest in Peace Don Love, Dave and Joyce
September 29, 2013
Patricia Spence-Davis
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the families. Words alone cannot express how much this great man did for so many. He touched the lives of all who met him.
Patricia Davis-Class '66
Catherine Spence-Class '85
Wezlee Spence-Class '15
September 29, 2013
Rest in Peace, Coach. Thanks for the memories.
Scott Shuster
Hoover High, Class of 1969
Houston, Texas
September 28, 2013
We are going to miss seeing Don. He was a very kind person and someone you can be glad to know and to have as a good friend.
I'm so sorry.
Marilyn Dolphin
September 28, 2013
Bob Berrodin
My deepest sympathy to the Hertler family. Don was my position coach in football and my high school baseball coach. I was fortunate to teach and coach with him. North Canton has lost a pillar in the community.
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