Philip J. Hertel

Philip Joseph Hertel (April 22, 1937- May 11, 2024) died at the Clark Home (Franklin campus)  in Grand Rapids, Michigan near his childhood home on Benjamin Street in Eastown and where he taught for over 30 years, at East Grand Rapids Middle School.

Born in Detroit to Joseph and Gladys Hertel, he moved to Grand Rapids as a child and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School, Grand Rapids Community College, and Western Michigan University. He served in the United States Army and Army Reserve. While working, he earned a Master’s in Education from Michigan State University. A lifelong math educator and mentor to generations of students, Phil was a proud member of his teachers’ union and built the foundation for strong pay and pensions that carried him and colleagues into old age securely.

Phil was known to students, faculty, family, and friends for his laughter. He loved music and sang with the Westminster Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir, in barbershop quartets, and at weddings across the state and beyond. He served in many other ways at Westminster Church: Bethel Bible teacher, Elder, senior high leader, and through his involvement with Camp Henry (Newaygo, Michigan). Phil and his wife, the late Peggy Fisher Hertel, helped build the Eastown Community Association and were lifelong supporters of the Grand Rapids Public Schools, tutoring after their retirement and living in their neighborhood for decades throughout all its changes. His friendships were expansive, from building “Mopar” cars to his love of flying, motorcycles and cribbage. 

Phil adored his family: his wife Peggy, daughters Shareen Hertel (Donald Swinton) and Heidi Hertel, son Joseph Hertel (Donna Hertel), grandchildren Garrett Vonk (Natacha Joyce), Gavin Vonk, Tessa Hertel, Josephine Swinton, Commodore Hertel, and great-grandson Miles Vonk, along with his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on June 7, 2024  at Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Road, SE, Grand Rapids. A memorial service is planned for 11:00 a.m. on June 8, 2024 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Henry in Memory of Phil Hertel: https://camphenry.org/donate

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