John Herzog

John Herzog, 57, of East Alton, passed away on Thursday, September 8 at his home.He was born October 23, 1958 in Alton, the son of Francis J. and Margaret B. (Olheiser) Herzog.John was the Economic Development Coordinator and Deputy Administrator for Madison County Community Development since 1984. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. He is survived by a brother and his wife, Frank and Jan Herzog of Omaha, NE, four sisters and their husbands, Mary Beth and Richard Ford of La Grange, IL, Phyllis and Wayne Zenk of Anoka, MN, Ann and John Zettel of Vadnais Heights, MN, and Margaret and Chris Benner of Quincy, IL, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Joan Marie Herzog, and a brother, William Joseph Herzog.As Economic Development Coordinator, John spent the past 32 years assisting businesses in locating, expanding and retaining their operations in Madison County. John worked with allied economic organizations including Southwestern Illinois Development Authority, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, America’s Central Port, Chambers of Commerce and others to encourage economic development. John oversaw the Madison County loan programs that helped attract businesses to Madison County and aided the expansion of local businesses, creating and retaining jobs for thousands of Madison County residents. During John’s tenure, Madison County developed four State of Illinois Enterprise Zones that provide special tax incentives to encourage business growth. He served as the County Administrator for these zones, helping to ensure that businesses received eligible benefits and ensuring compliance with zone regulations.Over his 32 years of public service, John was a valuable resource to business and industry. He provided information and technical assistance on many topics such as zoning regulations, community profiles, site availability, tax incentives, infrastructure financing assistance, demographics, and alternative sources of business financing. John also helped local governments and regional organizations to encourage business growth in Southwestern Illinois and Madison County. John was a resolute believer in the power of regional cooperation. He was the consummate professional, a true relationship builder, whose kindness was limitless. John leaves a legacy of professional accomplishments, colleagues who were the better from working with from him, and longstanding friendships.Visitation will be held Thursday, September 15, 2016, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Staten-Fine Funeral Home in Alton. A funeral mass will be held Friday, September 16, 2016 at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton with Fr. John Paul Klein O.M.V. officiating.A private family burial will be held at a later date.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or to Glen—Ed (Food) Pantry.Staten-Fine Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.

Obit Provided By:
Staten, Fine & Burke Funeral Home