James R Hertel, aged 94, of Holland, Michigan and formerly of Fremont, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on August 1, 2023, surrounded by his family.
James was born on June 7, 1929, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to George and Kathryn Hertel. He grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and Calvin College. He married Wilma Bylsma in 1952. They were happily married for 40 years until her passing in 1992. He is survived by their children; Jack (Debra) Hertel of Hudsonville, MI, Jane (Craig) Cooper of Elkhart Lake, WI and Carol (Richard) Dunning of Fremont, MI; Grandchildren, Jill (Christiaan) Baker, Katie (Mike) Cerny, Christy (Steve) Lowe, David (Suzanne) Cooper, Patty (Chris) Jander and Jim Hertel; Ten great grandchildren; Sister-In-Law Shirley (Robert) Hoffman; numerous special nieces and nephews.
In 1993, James married Dolores “Dee” Campbell. They were happily married for 25 years until her passing in 2019. Surviving are children Claire (Bill) Boersma, Nancy (Robert) Post and Mary Sue (John) Beuker; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. James proudly served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army. Following his service, he began a career in the Insurance Industry and founded the James Hertel Agency Inc. in Fremont, MI. He later served as the Chairman, President, and CEO of the Old State Bank of Fremont until his retirement in 1994. James received great joy from hobby farming, traveling, singing in the church choir, and spending quality time with family.
He is fondly remembered for his Christian testimony, quick wit and sense of humor. It served him well until the very end. Funeral and military honors will be 11 am Friday (August 4) at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Live stream at https://www.facebook.com/dykstrafuneralhome Burial will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Visitation will be 10-10:45 am prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fremont Christian School or Western Michigan Christian High School.
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