HERTZEN, Chris

Lake Havasu Mortuary & Crematory - Lake Havasu City, AZ - Chris Hertzen, 67, passed away on April 22, 2012 in Goodyear, AZ. He was born on June 23, 1944 in La Junta, Colorado to Jack and Virginia Hertzen, the first of three boys. After the war they moved back to California, settling in Portola Valley. Moving to Chico, then Long Beach, he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1962. It was at Wilson that he met the love of his life, Anne Barratt. Joining the Army after high school as a field artillery specialist, he spent three years in Germany. Once he returned home, he married his high school sweetheart in 1966. He joined the Long Beach Police Department soon after marriage. Chris and Anne spent many wonderful years with their LBPD associates; the camaraderie of his police brothers was one of the highlights of his life. After retiring from the PD, Chris and Anne felt the lure of the desert and moved to Lake Havasu in 1994. He and Anne managed South End Storage for 15 years, but Chris still found plenty of time to play on the lake, put endless miles on his quad exploring the desert, and enjoying his family. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Chris was left with a lasting impression; he never met a stranger, and always had a wonderful smile and gift to make everyone feel welcome and loved. We can find comfort in the fact that Chris lived a great life. Chris leaves behind his loving, devoted wife of 46 years, Anne, his loving son Kurt Hertzen, and his beautiful granddaughter Laura Hertzen. In California are his brother Jan Hertzen (Kathy), brother Eric Hertzen, niece Kelly Hertzen, nephew Karl Hertzen, and mother-in-law Florence Barratt. As per Chris’s wishes, no services are planned. Condolences can be sent directly to Chris’s family or through www.lakehavasumortuary.com.