Hergert, Stuart 'Red'

Stuart “Red” Hergert, 82, of Savanna, Ill., died Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 5, at Community United Church of Christ in Savanna.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

Stuart was born March 6, 1928, in Galena, Ill., the son of Oviatt and Mary (Davidson) Hergert. He received his education in Savanna. Stuart enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. He married Eileen Ralston in 1949 in Maquoketa, Iowa. Together they had four children. She preceded him in death on Nov. 27, 1988. Stuart later married Meredith Burke in September 1998 in Clinton, Iowa.

Stuart worked as a conductor for the Milwaukee Railroad for 44 years, never missing a day of work. He was an excellent woodworker and outdoorsman. He enjoyed the river, hiking, skiing, and gardening. Stuart was a voracious reader and very competitive Scrabble player. He loved dogs and cats.

Stuart is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Meredith Burke of Savanna, Ill.; two daughters, Linda Hergert Comeau of Freeport, Ill., and Kathleen (Dennis) Roe of Lena, Ill.; one stepson, Walter (Ann) Burke of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Stuart was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Mike and James Hergert; three sisters and two brothers.