Bruce Allerton Hertig, 92, of Savoy and Tolono, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017 at the Meadowbrook in Urbana, attended by family, friends, and Carle Hospice staff. His remains were respectfully cremated at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory. A memorial service will be held September 16 at 1:00 p.m., at New Covenant Fellowship Church in Champaign.

Mr. Hertig was born September 17, 1924 in Peking (Beijing), China, to Marshall and Edwina (Smiley) Hertig. He married Laurel P. Martin in 1951; they had 2 children, and were married nearly 55 years. His wife, parents, and brother, David M. Hertig of Minneapolis, MN, preceded him in death. Survivors include his children: John M. Hertig of Tucson, AZ and his partner Diane Faith Clor; and Polly C. Laurelchild Hertig of Somerville, MA and her partner Christina Carr; beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many dear friends who were family of the heart.

During his long life, Bruce lived in China, Peru, Panama, MA, OH, NY, PA, and IL. After graduating from Thornton Twp HS in Harvey, IL, he earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering at Columbia Univ., NY; MSME at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; and MPH and Doctor of Science at Univ. of Pittsburgh. In 1964, he began teaching at the U of I as a professor of mechanical engineering for nearly 20 years, and then served as ergonomist until retiring in 1988. He was a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association from 1962-2001.

During World War II, Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an apprentice seaman, later serving as ensign on the USS Reclaimer. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Bruce and wife Laurel were members of New Covenant Fellowship Church in Champaign for many decades. From 1975-1983, they were active in Boots & Bows Square Dance Club. An accomplished amateur musician, Bruce played guitar, banjo, dulcimer, and zingaboom. He was a ferocious Scrabble player, avid reader, and enthusiastic traveler. One of his most cherished pastimes was woodworking, making beautiful items for and with friends, including the E. Central Illinois Woodworkers Guild. He loved cars and pickup trucks, and delighted in long road trips, crossing the country in a Model A Ford in his early 20s, continuing through impressive solo drives in his upper 80s. He never tired of new experiences, old friends, or hot sauce.

Bruce's kind, funny, and loyal nature ensured a large and eclectic group of friends, each of whom he loved dearly. He was a loving husband, father, friend, and mentor, and made jokes right up to his last hours on earth. He will be dearly missed.

Bruce Hertig's final wish was for donations in lieu of flowers, to: Youth With A Mission, YWAM Tyler, P.O. Box 3000, Garden Valley, TX 75771-3000.

Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.