John Philip Hertzell

John Philip (Phil) Hertzell

 Phil Hertzell, 81, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend of many, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at his home in Devils Lake, ND.

 John Philip Hertzell was born on January 2, 1943 in Langdon, ND, the only son of Owen and Lois (Flanders) Hertzell and the second of 4 children. Phil grew up on the Hertzell family farm south of Calvin, ND. He attended and graduated from Calvin School in the class of 1960. Phil completed automotive mechanics programs at the ND State School of Science in Wahpeton and Hanson’s School in Fargo.

 On December 22, 1961, he married the love of his life, Della (Schmiess). Together they raised four children, Tammi, Terry, Trudy and Tricia, also on the Hertzell family farm.

 He cherished farming with his father and later his son and grandson. He raised purebred Hereford and Angus Cross cattle with his dad and shared his love for horses with his children. For many years, he trucked grain to Duluth and hauled flax and hay bales all over North Dakota and Canada with his green Kenworth and later his Blue Kenworth.

 He was very active in his community, as a part of the Calvin Elevator Board, Volunteer Fire Department for Calvin area, Glenila Township Board, the Federal Land Bank Board of Directors and the Maple Manor Nursing Home Board. One of Phil’s most special “jobs” was volunteering with the Gideons and sharing his special messages with many congregations. He was an active member and elder of the Glenila Presbyterian Church where, together with Della, they were instrumental in church youth groups for many years.

 Phil was well known for his gentle spirit and his loving, charming, witty personality. He had a wonderful sense of humor which came out in all the stories and jokes he would tell. He always found time to smile, laugh and play cards with his favorite friends. Phil had an enormous heart and an even bigger love for his Lord and family. It was his honor to lead in prayer before family meals. He was truly a guiding light for every member of his family, with his unwavering strength and kind, truthful advice.

 Phil is survived by and will be deeply missed by his wife of 62 years, Della; Children: Tamara (Lynn) Kartes, Terrell (Meloney) Hertzell, Trudy (Bruce) Dick and Tricia (Tom) Ryan; 11 grandchildren; Jorey Kartes and Jill (JP) Lohnes; Chelsea and Tige Hertzell; Mikaela, Landon, Chandler (Kaia), and Sasha Dick; Piper, Finn and Trixie Ryan; 7 great grandchildren; Jade, Jaci, and Jenna Lohnes; Jacob, Erika, JJ and Cordell Kartes; Sister: Pat (John) Sherry; Brothers-In-Law: Donald (Mac) McDonald and Bob Logan.

 He is preceded in Heaven by his parents and two sisters, Joy McDonald and Linda Logan. 

There will be a visitation at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and Time of Remembrance at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service for Philip will be on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Evangelical Free Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Richard Eng officiating. Burial will be in the Corinthian Cemetery, rural Calvin, ND.