Carl Christian (Chris) Hertig

Born in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1953 to Willis and Camilla (Booth) Hertig,

Chris graduated, magna cum laude, from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1987 with a degree in Computer Science. During his life, Chris worked in many capacities, from delivering milk early on to mining coal prior to many years in computer programming at various companies, finally retiring from Elbit Systems of America in 2025.

Chris had a strong work ethic and took pride in the work that he performed. He believed that all work, trivial or complex, is worth doing well and our treatment of others helped to define our character. Like Aesop, there was a moral to every story … and often a well-worn quote to accompany any admonishment or advice.

Chris enjoyed competition and companionship, family gatherings with games and working on projects. Fiercely independent, Chris was known for mincing few words, overbuilding and an aversion to losing. Chris will be remembered fondly for his quick wit, his sense of humor and his expectation that people should do the right thing, simply because it is right.

Chris is survived by his wife of 24 years, Julie Ellestad-Hertig; his parents, Willis H and Camilla B Hertig of Alpena, West Virginia; sons, Brian (Tracy), Christian (Sonya) and David; stepsons, Logan Alborn and Clayton Alborn, Brian Hare and Joel Hare; grandchildren, Hunter, Cameron, Zachary, Aaron and Emma; sister, Charlotte; and brother, Eric (Lynn).

Chris was preceded in death by his much loved sister, Rheta Marie (Hertig) Gruse.

There will be a celebration of Chris’s life at a later date for friends and family to remember Chris and to share stories of adventures (and perhaps misadventures) that they may have experienced together.