Richard D. Herr

On Monday, January 16, 2017 Rich Herr passed away peacefully, at the age of 73, surrounded by his loving blended and extended family. Putting up the fight of a lifetime against a disease with no mercy, the Herr Family's strongest soldier fought his final battle on his own terms. For the past three and a half years his strength and courage to relentlessly fight a rare and aggressive leukemia amazed and inspired many. His will to live proved that statistics and odds can always be challenged and beat. The Herr family came together and gave their patriarch the sendoff they all knew he would be proud of, spending his final days with him amongst the ponds and pine trees on Herr’s Elk Farm, a property he created which was unique and unrivaled. A deal scribbled on a bar napkin and sealed with a handshake was how Rich preferred to do business. A social entrepreneur full of ambitious ideas and solid development decisions his energy and drive was nothing short of unstoppable. Since 1960 Rich Herr was in the plumbing and excavating business in the Dousman area. During that time he participated in running several companies which designed and constructed hundreds of ponds, septic systems and multiple real estate developments in Waukesha and its surrounding counties. Most notably, for the last 30 years he owned and operated, with his son Michael, Herr Construction, Inc. a plumbing and excavating company. His life will be forever cherished in the lives of his loving wife, Jody Herr. His children Corina Herr (Shad Lewis) of Phoenix, AZ; Michael Herr (Amy Novitzke) of Oconomowoc, WI; and Christine Herr of Denver, CO. Step-children: Jamie (Brad) Lynch; Jessica (Michael) McGarry; and Lindsay (Chris) Igl all of Oconomowoc, WI. As well as his grandchildren: Airiana Lynch and Dylan Berg McGarry: his brother John (Marcia) Herr of Dousman, WI and his sister JoAnn (Larry) Slayton of Tomahawk, WI. Rich will be especially missed by his beloved and faithful dog Winston. The family would like to thank Dr. Gilberto Rodrigues, Deanna Planko PA and all the nurses at the Summit Aurora Vince Lombardi Cancer Center for their compassionate care. As well as Larry Williams for his devotion, help and friendship for the last 67 years. Private Services will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this spring. Memorials can be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, MN.