John Philip (Phil) Hertzell

A funeral service was held November 7, 2024, in Devils Lake, N.D., for Phil Hertzell, 81, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend of many, who passed away Nov. 2, 2024, at his home in Devils Lake. Burial was at Corinthian Cemetery near Calvin, N.D.

John Philip Hertzell was born on January 2, 1943, in Langdon, N.D., the only son of Owen and Lois (Flanders) Hertzell and the second of four children. Phil grew up on the Hertzell family farm south of Calvin, N.D. 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 Dec. 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, Phil trucked grain to Duluth and hauled flax and hay bales all over N.D. 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; seven great grandchildren: Jade, Jaci, and Jenna Lohnes; Jacob, Erika, JJ and Cordell Kartes; sister Pat (John) Sherry; and 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.

Gilbertson Funeral Home of Devils Lake was in charge of arrangements.