Robert Wayne Hertzel

Bob Hertzel, 66, passed away on November 9, 2014 at Good Shepherd Home and Hospice in Manhattan surrounded by family and friends.

Robert, 'Bob' Hertzel was born on October 5th 1948 in Beatrice, NE to Arthur and Dorothy (Fletcher) Hertzel. His early years were spent in Beatrice on his grandparent's farm, playing with his sister and cousins, hunting and fishing. During his grade school years, he lived in small towns in south and central NE where his father managed Hested stores. The family moved to Marysville, KS at the start of junior high.

Bob loved sports and was an excellent athlete. Throughout his life he was an avid sportsman who loved golf, baseball, hunting and fishing.

He was a member of the Marysville High School State Champion Basketball team of 1966 coached by Clancy Norris. Bob also won many medals and set records in track and field. During the summer he managed the Marysville Swimming Pool. He was the president of his senior class and M club. Bob was recruited out of high school to play basketball at Washburn University. As a sophomore he transferred to Kansas State to play for Tex Winter.

In 1969 he married his high school sweetheart, Jeri Temple from Marysville, KS. They had three children: Danielle and twin sons Patrick and Timothy. They later divorced after 24 years of marriage.

In the year 1969 he joined the army where he achieved the rank of Staff Sargent in the 101st Airborne Division. He was also a Green Beret before being transferred to Fort Riley to complete a tour of duty as a Substance Abuse Counselor for returning Vietnam soldiers. After an honorable discharge he remained a Department of the Army civilian employee. Bob's career was dedicated to helping others and he retired as Director of Community Services at Fort Riley in 2002 after 34 years of service.

Bob coached girl's softball and boy's baseball for his kids and all three of his children were awarded athletic scholarships. The family lived in Wamego, Marysville and Manhattan, KS. While in Marysville, Bob had the honor of coaching the high school basketball team. In 2004, he married Linda Myers (Alexander) in Kauai, HI and they resided in Manhattan, KS until his passing.

Bob's entire life was dedicated to serving others. As a disabled veteran he pursued a career that ensured a better quality of life for other service members. He was a devoted father, husband and grandfather to many, and a dear friend to many more. He is deeply loved and will be missed, although his presence will always be felt in his legacy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy, sister, Judy and ex-wife and mother to the kids (Pat, Tim & Danielle), Jeri Hertzel.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Danielle Hertzel, granddaughter Asiah of Overland Park, KS; son Patrick, wife Krista, grandchildren Noah, Jesse, Leila, Chase and Cole of Ballwin, MO; son Timothy, wife Rebecca, granddaughters Jolei and Mallory of Wichita, KS; stepson Matthew Alexander, wife Shelly, grandson Carson of Raton, NM, granddaughters KayCee Alexander and Kirsti, husband Owen Dewey of Omaha, NE; and stepson Ryan Alexander, wife Vanessa of Scottsdale, AZ. As well as, niece Jody, nephews Bobby and Lyle, aunts Bonnie and Helen, uncle Jerry, and eight great nieces and nephews. Bob also leaves many lifelong friends and extended family.

The casket will be closed, but friends may sign the book at the funeral home from 9:00am to 8:00pm on Wednesday, November 13, with a Vigil Service being held at 7:00pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 10:00am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan, with interment in the Beatrice Evergreen Cemetery, Beatrice, NE, at 3:30pm, alongside his parents.

Memorials can be directed to Good Shepherd Home and Hospice, 3801 Vanesta Dr., Manhattan, KS 66503 in honor of Robert Hertzel.

To send an email condolence, send a gift or more information visit the funeral home website at www.irvinparkview.com. Arrangements conducted by Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home.