James Hertel

James Emil Hertel, 79, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 11, 2018. Family and friends are invited to gather Monday morning from 10 AM – Noon at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter and attend a Graveside Service at 1 PM, Monday at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Jim was born June 17, 1938, in Carrington, ND, the son of Emil and Florence (Swartout) Hertel. After high school, he served in the US Army for two years and was also a member of the National Guard for four years. In 1969, he was united in marriage to Gayle Ann Merta. The couple enjoyed 48 years together. Jim worked for Potlatch Paper Mill for 36 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, riding motorcycles, and watching birds with a cup of coffee in hand. He liked to tinker and could fix anything. He was always willing to help someone. Jim was a lifetime member of the NRA, and also belonged to the American Legion and the Great Northern Model T Club. He was passionate about driving his 1917 Model T.

He will be missed by many and is survived by his wife, Gayle; children, Corinna Norton and Breion James Hertel; grandchildren, Amanda, Colby, and Nick; great grandchildren, Zander, Dante, Kayden, and Rylee James; brother, Henry (Donna) Hertel; half-brothers, Terry (Brenda) Hertel and Jeff (Wendy) Hertel; half-sister, Shirley Baumgartner; and step sisters, Pati Dauber and Joan Nubbe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil Hertel and Florence (Swartout) Hertel Savage.