On August 1, 2016, we lost our big-hearted dad, Herdis W. McCrary, Jr., at the age of 85. He was the beloved husband of Nancy, whom we lost in 2013, father of six, grandfather of ten, and great-grandfather of four, soon to be five, and a "teacher" aka, "Sage" to many.

Dad was born in Green Bay on March 29, 1931, to Herdis Sr. and Mary Palmer McCrary. He grew up on the west side of Green Bay and attended Green Bay West High School. He was an accomplished student and athlete, excelling at track, was an All-American in basketball, and he especially excelled in football, the latter earning him a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-­Madison - "Go Badgers!" He was proud to be a part of Wisconsin's first Rose Bowl team in 1952. His college years were interrupted when he was drafted into the Korean War. He was a very proud Marine, honored to serve his country, earning two Purple Hearts for his bravery. He returned to Madison and "the Lodge," rejoining his fraternity brothers at Alpha Chi Psi to graduate with a Degree in Business and Finance.

We believe that Dad would tell you that his story really began in 9th grade when he wandered over to Fort Howard Park and met a beautiful 8th grader named Nancy Lacombe. Fast forward to May 20, 1954, when they eloped and began their amazing life journey, creating a big, loud, beautiful family, many years of international travel and creating lifelong friendships. An integral part of Dad's life was teaching. He began his teaching career at Appleton West and was a part of the original teaching staff when Ashwaubenon High School opened in 1965. Even though all of his students knew not to talk in "his hall," he was still known as "Happy Herdi." Over the 28 years at AHS, Dad was a favorite English teacher who touched many lives both in and out of the classroom. (So glad he's not here to correct the grammar in his own obituary!). Dad's priority was taking care of his Nancy and the "clan." This meant working many additional jobs from painting to pyrotechnics to raising chickens! The chicken story does not have a happy ending. In Dad's limited spare time during those busy days, and finally in retirement, he enjoyed reading, big puzzles, travel, winters in Florida, good song lyrics, poetry, history, golf, the Green Bay Packers, the Badgers, and he especially loved to tell colorful stories. He loved quiet days on the beach and evening sunsets with his family on the bay of Green Bay.

Herdis is survived by his six children: Candy (Wayne) De Moulin, Howard; Mitch McCrary, Chicago, IL; Kevin (Kathy) McCrary, Howard; Linda McCrary, Green Bay; Chris (Dan) Van Alstine, Des Moines, IA; Pat (Lisa) McCrary, Tacoma, WA; his grandchildren: Jake (Marissa) De Moulin, Abrams; Luke (Alicia) De Moulin, Waco, TX; Angie De Moulin and her fiancé, Brenten Catalano, Green Bay; Ryan McCrary, Milwaukee; Rachael McCrary, and her fiancé, Jeff Tiede, Eau Claire; Evan Van Alstine, Milwaukee; Madeline Van Alstine, San Francisco, CA; Brett Van Alstine, Muncie, IN; Cavan McCrary, Tacoma, WA; Teagan McCrary, Tacoma, WA; his four great­grandchildren; his sister, Marianne McCrary, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, his parents, Herdis Sr. and Mary; Nancy's parents, Robert and Lucille; and his nephew, Tommy Whitman.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. Friday. A Time of Remembrance will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

To send on-line condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dad's incredible neighbors on the bay. He so enjoyed their company and they always watched over him!