Heidi Hertel

Heidi Hertel was a beloved mother, grandmother and sister as well as a remarkable friend to scores of people from every era of her life and all corners of her hometown and the world. A gifted musician whose truest love was creating community through song, she began her career teaching music at Thornapple Elementary in the Forest Hills Public Schools and over several decades, directed choirs at Mayflower Congregational Church and Park Congregational Church, created music programs for Camp Henry (Newaygo) and Westminster Presbyterian Church, led choirs at St. Cecilia Music Society (Grand Rapids), and taught Elementary Music Education at Grand Rapids Community College.

Heidi maintained a lively piano studio, teaching scores of students using the same Yamaha piano she had played since she was 4 years old. She served as a volunteer music educator at Henry School in Grand Rapids and was a proud member of the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus, living its motto to delight, uplift and educate through song, with passion and purpose. A proud graduate of Ottawa Hills High School and Western Michigan University, Heidi earned a degree in elementary education and was certified as a music educator. She also studied at Westminster Choir College (Princeton, NJ) and later earned a master’s degree in education from Calvin University.  An ardent political commentator, she was also a competitive card player, chocolate connoisseur, and giver of lovingly handmade gifts.

Born on August 30, 1968 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she died May 22, 2026 in Morocco. She is survived by her son Garrett Vonk (Natacha Joyce); her son Gavin Vonk; her grandsons Miles and James Vonk; her sister Shareen Hertel (Donald Swinton); her brother Joseph Hertel (Donna Hertel); nieces and nephew, Tessa and Commodore Hertel and Josephine Swinton; and numerous extended relatives.

 A celebration of her life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in her honor to Camp Henry.

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