MADISON - Herman James Herkert, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on November 28, 1935, in Milwaukee, the son of Herman and Frances (Gardt) Herkert.

Herman graduated from Madison West High School in 1954 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. On October 24, 1985, he was united in marriage to Patricia Liebig. Herman worked as a general contractor and was an active member of the Metal Building Dealers Association, the NFL Alumni Association, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Herman enjoyed an active and full life. He loved playing golf and racquetball, spending time at the card table, and flying as a general aviation pilot. A devoted Wisconsin sports fan, he cheered passionately for the Badgers and the Packers and was part of a fantasy football league long before it became popular. Above all, Herman was a wonderful man who treasured time spent with family and friends.

Herman is survived by his wife, Patricia; six children, Jim (Andrea) Herkert and their children: Marita (Eric) Herkert-Oakland and their children, Miles and Afton Oakland, and Andrew (Genevieve) Herkert and their children, Roosevelt and Jonah Herkert; Scott (Troy ) Herkert and their children: Tara (Chris) Miller and their children, McKenzie, Leo and Sage Miller, and Ivy Herkert; John (Miriam) Herkert and their children: Haley (Raphael Chestang) Herkert, Leiah (Keith) O’Leary and their children, Kiah, Naomi and Levi, Danny Vargus and his children, Jonathan, Henry and Daniel Vargas and Daniel’s daughter, Ali, and Diego Vargus and his son, Jonathan Vargus; David (Lisa) Herkert and their children: Max, Christina and Ian King; Brian (Joan) Byrne and daughter, Norah Byrne; and Brad (Ashley) Byrne and their children: Brayden Byrne and Quinnly Byrne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Frances; brothers, Klaus Herkert and Richard Herkert; mother of Jim, Scott, John and Dave, Camille Herkert.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A Celebration of Herman’s life will be held at THE HAWKS NEST AT WHIPPOORWILL BAR, 7914 WI-19, Dane, WI, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 3 p.m. until 7p.m.

3 p.m. Tee Off

4 p.m. Champions Buffet
4:30 p.m. Military Honors

5 p.m. Tales

7 p.m. Final Fairway Toast

A life well-played. A round well-earned.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Agrace HospiceCare for their wonderful care and support given to Herman and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Wisconsin Chapter (https://www.alz.org/wi?form=FUNDHYMMBXU) or to Agrace HospiceCare (https://www.agrace.org/donate/). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Herman James Herkert

November 28, 1935 - March 10, 2026

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