January 24, 1935 - August 30, 2022
Service
Memorial and celebration of life to be held in October.
Arthur Douglas Hergatt, age 87, of Westerville, OH, passed peacefully into eternal rest on August 30, 2022. Always patient, present, and loving, he generously served others needs before his ownwith thoughtfulness and humor. Art was a faithful member of Harlem Road Church, and he served five tireless decades as a dedicated volunteer of Rotary International. Graduate of Mansfield High School (1953) and The Ohio State University College of Engineering (1959). Served as president of the OSU chapter of the Triangle engineering fraternity, where he met many lifelong friends. Designed and engineered bridges for the state of California in the 1960s; started his own business in the 1970s as a civil engineer and surveyor. Always the perfectionist, he achieved the highest score in the state of Ohio on the 1970 Professional Engineering exam.
He loved photography, nature, hiking the mountains in Arizona, lemon meringue pie, puns, vintage cars, golf, music festivals, OSU football, supporting small and local artists, making new friends, and especially spending time with his amazing grandkids. His mind and heart had a lifelong love of architecture, including Frank Lloyd Wrights Fallingwater, built over the massive rock slabs of a Pennsylvania creek called Bear Run. In fact, Art built his own Fallingwater over an Ohio creek. The resulting spectacular home is one that Art and Janet called Hergatt Hollow, and they reveled in its peace and natural beauty every day.
He was predeceased by his loving brothers, John (Mary) and Duke (Helen). Survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet; children Doug (Leigh) and Denise (Chris); brother-in-law Gary; six nieces and nephews (Val, Kathy, Shelley, Duke, Doug, & Danny); four grandchildren, Andy (Tom), Joey (Teryn), Jasmine, and Nick Hill; and his beloved buddy, Miles (Betty) Johnson. Private interment. No immediate service, but a celebration of life will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Arts name to Tranquility Hospice Memorial Fund at 1949 State Route 37 W, Suite C, Delaware, OH, 43015.
Condolences
Nancy Wimmer - Sep 18, 2022
Once upon a time early in this century Art and Jan came to visit us in Germany together with my brother, Miles, and his wife, Betty. We had a wonderful time exploring Bavaria and saw a musical in the theater famous for its spectacular view of the ‘fairy-tale’ castle, Neuschwanstein. On our return to Munich we made a visit to my husband Klaus’s mother and all looked forward to what hopefully awaited us: her legendary Plums datschi cake. As she served her ravenous guests tray after tray of her insanely delicious ‘datschi’, only Art paused and—hands waving-- gallantly offered mother his help. Mother blushed and politely refused, but later told me: “Art is so charming --a true gentleman.” I of course passed this on to Art. But while Jan gave a long deep sigh, Art had a broad, well-pleased smile on his lips for the rest of the evening. All in all, this is the way I remember Art: kind-hearted, witty, open-minded and quite, quite charming. Nancy and Klaus Wimmer
Jerry Smith - Sep 16, 2022
I first met Art when we joined Triangle Fraternity together at The OSU. He was such a very special person that it was impossible to not love him. Every time he was with me he brought joy with his beautiful sense of humor and caring heart. When he and Janet, Dave and Patti Parrish, Miles and Betty Johnson all lived in California with Elaine and I, it was such a blessing to be able to share time with my brothers. When Art decided that the Hergatt Hollow that was in his heart needed to become a reality and moved back to Ohio it was difficult to loose the opportunity to share more time together, but I will always have the warm memories of having Art in my life. He was the best man at our wedding, my best friend for many years and I am forever thankful that God placed him in my life. Elaine and I send our love and sympathy to you Janet, Doug and Denise.
Tom Staebler - Sep 8, 2022
I will always temper that smile and sense of humor. Through our many years in Rotary and our golf league, Art was a fun person and we laughed a lot. I will now have to rely solely on my calendar to know when the next Friday the 13th will be. It was a pleasure to know Art and Janet. My sincere condolences.
Deb Johnson - Sep 6, 2022
Our sincere condolences from the Johnson family. Eric, Deb, and Clint
Ronald Hooker - Sep 4, 2022
Janet & Family, Mary Frances and I wish to covey our sympathy. Our Prayers are with you...
Dave and Chris Lang - Sep 3, 2022
We met the Hergatt's in 1967 when we moved to Harlem road just down the road from Hergatt's Hollow. Two of our children are the same age as Doug and Denise, this is just one of the things that brought us close to Art and Janet. We moved to Licking county in 1972 but still kept in close contact with Art and Janet. We attended the "Light the Night car show" on the square and met for dinner or lunch several times where we updated each other on what was going on in each of our lives. We also visited them in Arizona where they spent several days entertaining us. We both enjoyed Art's dry sense of humor as well as the wide range of subjects that he was well versed on. We will miss him dearly.
Donna Evans - Sep 3, 2022
We have so many wonderful memories of our buddy Artiecakes. A nickname we all gave many years ago. I think His and Janet’s friend Phyllis gave him the nickname. We have wonderful memories of Harlem Road Church. He loved his Lord and he loved his family. He left us all with wonderful , beautiful and lasting love. You will be missed Art. Love you Janet and family.
Amy & Alan Bumpus - Sep 3, 2022
We are so very for your loss. Our hearts go out to your family. Your father was one of the most generous and kind-hearted souls I ever met, and I’ll never forget him. I only regret I didn’t meet him earlier in his life. We love the photos and memories you share and know he will live on through you. Hugs and Love.
Miles Johnson (Jr) - Sep 3, 2022
Art Hergatt was indeed an amazing man with many shining facets. His friendship with my Pop's was such a tight bond, and it taught me so much about the importance of friendship and family, dedicated love and support. I also learned a lot from Art's humbleness and kind hearted character - he was always sincerely interested in how I and my family were doing. I am a better man for knowing Art Hergatt. Rest in peace Art. - Miles
Joey - Sep 3, 2022
Gramps was a hell of a man, wish I'd gotten to know him better and I envy those who did! You will be sorely missed and remembered forever! 
Gail (Patrick) Greer - Sep 2, 2022
So very sorry to hear of Mr. Hergatt’s passing. I have fond memories of him and all your family when we lived in Ohio. May peace and love fill your hearts with loving memories of him.
Denise Hergatt - Sep 2, 2022
I promise to read every comment to my mother, Janet. She has been so thankful for all of your calls, prayers, concerns, memories, and stories. Please share more here! - With love, from all the Hergatts