Philip E. Hergert's Obituary
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Philip E. Hergert, whose generous spirit touched countless lives. The cherished husband of Melodi McGuire, Phil left us on July 22, 2026, after a brief and courageous battle with melanoma cancer. Born September 6,1951 to Marvin & Margaret Hergert, part owners of the Hergert’s Sports Center. Phil attended Roosevelt Elementary & Middle School, graduating from Oshkosh High School in 1969. Phil attended UW-Oshkosh, majored in accounting and graduated in 1973. That same year he married the “first love of his life”, Mary Jo Mueller. Together they had two beloved daughters: Jesse (Hergert), Karpowitz & Jenny Hergert. Phil was a devoted and loving husband, father, beloved “Papa”, brother, brother-in-law, “Bonus” Dad and Grandpa, and a dear friend to all who knew him.
Phil’s professional career started at a CPA firm in Appleton, and he received his CPA designation in June 1976. In May 2026, he was honored for 50 years of service by The Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Phil came back to Oshkosh in 1984 to work in the family business, Hergert’s Sports Center, until 1987 when he formed his own CPA firm called, Malkowsky & Hergert. Phil worked primarily in taxes and was known to ask, “too many questions!” Ha! Philip sold his firm to KerberRose in 2013 and has been a devoted & valued part of that firm ever since.
In 2017, his beloved wife of 44 years, Mary Jo, unexpectedly passed away. Never expecting to find love again, he met Melodi McGuire, who also lost her husband, Bob McGuire, earlier that same year. This match of Phil & Melodi was truly “divinely arranged” and Phil found the “second love of his life”! Phil and Melodi got married on August 27, 2022. Phil and Melodi loved traveling together to Florida in winter, family cruises, visiting family in Nashville, Atlanta, Seattle, attending live concerts seeing Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Cody Johnson, and most recently in March 2026 seeing The Eagles at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Plus, many local adventures and enjoying their summer “happy place” at Little Silver Lake Resort.
Phil was a member of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Oshkosh Yacht Club, Treasurer of Edgewood Village Condo Association, former member of Winnebago Home Builders Association, once served as Senior Warden and member of Trinity Episcopal Church. He currently attends Community Church in Oshkosh. A true Wisconsin fan, Phil enjoyed cheering on his Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers, he enjoyed golfing too… plus a Captain & Coke with a twist ‘o lemon and an Old Fashioned now and then!
Phil left a legacy of helping people whenever he could, a most generous person. A quiet gentle spirit, the best listener ever! He always used your name in every conversation, making you feel important and seen. Everyone whoever met Phil knew they met someone special.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Melodi McGuire; Daughters: Jesse (Phil Jr) Karpowitz-Oshkosh, Jenny Hergert-Milwaukee; Grandchildren: Olivia Karpowitz-Netherlands, Phil Karpowitz, III-Oshkosh; “Bonus Children”: Melissa (Justin) Hintz-Atlanta; Matthew (DezaRae) McGuire-Oshkosh; “Bonus Grandson”: Finley McGuire-Oshkosh. Brother: Bruce (Kathy) Hergert-Butte des Morts; Brother-in-Laws: David (Nettie) Barney-Winneconne; Steve Mueller and Mary Ellen Wonders-Oshkosh; Sister-in-Laws: Barb (Steve) Stahl-Green Lake; Janet Kaye-Hudson; “Bonus Sisters & Brother-in Laws”: Nancy (John) Black-Nashville; Judy (Jim) Ryder-Charlotte, NC.; Uncle Bob (Judy) Hergert-Oshkosh; his best friend Dale (Jane) Fischer-Marshfield; Friday Lunch Boys: Ralph Hergert and Rick Hergert-Oshkosh. Special friends Julie Jones and Tom Rigden-Greenville. Many other cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, beloved friends and colleagues who supported us on this journey. Also, his beloved Shiba dog, Suzu.
Preceding Phil in death: his first wife, Mary Jo (Mueller) Hergert. Sister: Patricia (Hergert) Barney. Parents: Marvin and Margaret Hergert. And many other beloved dogs and cats, especially Dawnee.
Visitation Thursday, July 30th from 10 am - 12 Noon at Community Church, 2351 Ryf Road, Oshkosh. Funeral Service begins at 12 Noon with a luncheon following the service. Family friend and Pastor, Rev. Alan Cleveland will be officiating. Private family Internment at Lake View Cemetery at later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Phil’s name to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society (https://www.oahs.org) or the Fox Valley Humane Association (https://www.foxvalleypets.org) would be deeply appreciated, he was a huge animal lover.
Special thank you to Dr. Bradley Heraly, and all the angels who work at the Michael Wachtel Cancer Center and Ascension Mercy Hospital Second Floor-Oshkosh for their care and kindness to our family. Many thanks to Pastor Jason Rahn-Community Church for his tender care and our “Village People” at Edgewood Village-your generosity to our family was so appreciated.
Phil will be missed beyond words… our hearts are broken.
“The Lord giveth… the Lord taketh away” Job 1:21
What’s your fondest memory of Philip?
What’s a lesson you learned from Philip?
Share a story where Philip's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Philip you’ll never forget.
How did Philip make you smile?
