Philip Hertel

It is hard for me to reflect on Phil without also thinking of Peggy. They were the heart and soul of so many endeavors. Together they demonstrated steadfast commitment to Eastown, urban education and thoughtful engagement on the issues of the day. May those who love and miss them find comfort in their rich legacies. How they lived their lives mattered.

My family lived adjacent to the Hertel Family for 25 years in Eastown; they are a wonderful family and Phil was the leader of the pack. Humor, intellect, integrity, generosity of spirit and good plain fun were just a few of the things that come to mind. Wishing Shareen, Heidi and JoeB and families the comfort of a life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all a this time.

Early Tuesday morning I saw a man standing on the corner of Lake Drive and Benjamin. He was looking down Benjamin toward his childhood home. Phil loved this neighborhood and all the people, and we loved him. There was no one better suited to be a teacher than Phil. I´ll never forget the day Phil trimmed Peggy´s pusswillow tree a little too much with his new chainsaw. So many great memories on Benjamin Ave. Love to the family, Ron & Chris Lichtenstein.

While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hertel, his picture just screams that he was a very fun guy, and would have been a treasured and most enjoyable friend. Rest in peace.

Phil was my mentor teacher in 1986 at East Grand Rapids Middle School. I cannot even begin to share how fabulous his mentorship was. After I graduated from college, Phil went to bat for me with the superintendent. As a result, I was the first teacher hired right out of college. In fact, Phil called my home and talked to my mother to tell me I was hired. I spent over 33 years at East Grand Rapids Middle School before my retirement. I owe each and every one to Phil Hertel. God bless you my...

The Man, the Myth, and the Legend ! Mr. Hertel was one of my favorite math influences (and favorite teachers) throughout my K-12 EGR education. We often spoke, and enjoyed talking about various strategies in Cribbage (because it involved a quick form of math). A deeply soulful man who cared deeply about his students, his subject-matter (in this instance, Math); each beyond his family, and community commitments. By the picture in the obituary, it doesn't seem as he changed much over the...