In Memoriam: Jan Herkelrath (1933-2025)

Janet Cain Herkelrath was born in Des Moines, Iowa and moved to Altadena as a young girl. Her father, a
talented cabinetmaker, mason and craftsman, and her mother, an entrepreneur, built a house in Eaton
Canyon, that still stands today. As a Californian, Jan spent her youth in Pasadena and Laguna Beach, often
skipping classes at Pasadena CC to join friends at the beach.

Jan married her husband, Blaine in 1951 and moved to Dana Point where they bought 10 lots of land and
together built 10 homes. They soon sold and relocated to their dream home in Three Arch Bay where they
raised their 3 children for over 10 years. The family moved to the Oregon Coast for 5 years and returned to
Laguna in the 70’s.

Jan thrived living by the ocean, creating a community, and fully embracing life in the 50’s in Three Arch Bay and
in Laguna Beach overall. Jan started her work life in Orange County first as a secretary at San Clemente HS
and ultimately, she grew to be a respected Real Estate Broker.

Jan was an active member of LBOR, OCAR, Rotary International and was a Sawdust exhibitor in the 70’s. She
taught sewing, typing, and shorthand classes for Saddleback college and was a lifelong learner. As an active
lap swimmer, Jan swam a mile a day for over 40 years, and supported many community events that were both
philanthropic and fun. She cared about making the world a better place through her participation in Laguna
Beach Rotary. You can honor Jan by making a contribution to Rotary International.

Jan passed peacefully with family on August 2nd, 2025 and is survived by her daughters
Regan Cohen, Devon Harger, Dana Herkelrath (Felipe Golez) and grandchildren Joaquin Golez, Ben, Isabelle
and Lillian Harger.

A celebration of her life is currently being planned and the details will be shared soon.