William R. Hertel

William Robert Hertel, 77, of Denver, Iowa, formerly of Gilbert, Arizona and Fairfield, Iowa, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo, Iowa.

 In accordance to his wishes, Bill will be cremated and laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, Iowa is assisting the family. 

 Bill was born November 10, 1947 in Fairfield, the son of Charles and Shirley (Courtney) Hertel. Growing up, Bill was in Boy Scouts, reaching Eagle Scout. 

He was a graduate of Fairfield High School in 1966. He played clarinet and was in small band groups through high school and later years, following his father and mother’s love of music. Bill graduated from the University of Iowa in 1970. He was in the Army ROTC program throughout his college years. Bill met Chris Henkes while they were attending the University of Iowa. They were married August 9, 1969. She preceded him in death February 15, 2017. 

Bill was a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army. His military career moved their family to numerous places throughout the world until he and Chris decided to settle in northern Virginia. After retirement from the Army, he worked as a consultant for Camber until moving to Gilbert, Arizona. 

Bill and Chris were season ticket holders of the Arizona Cardinals while they lived in Arizona. Bill and Chris loved traveling, visiting places in the United States, Europe, Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia, Baltic Sea states, and Australia/New Zealand. He never missed a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game on television and once a year Bill and Chris would meet up for a game with two high school friends and their wives. It was a big part of his life.

Bill loved to golf and loved his dogs. He was a long-time supporter of the University of Iowa and the children’s hospital. He had season tickets to Hawkeye football games since returning to Iowa.

Those left to honor his memory include his son, Jason Hertel of Manassas, Virginia; his sister, Janice (Larry) Wilson of Mesa, Arizona; four nieces and nephews, Wade (Sarah) Wilson, Kent (Darcie) Wilson, Kelly (Ray) Runyon, and Julie (Lee) Person. 

In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill’s family would like to extend their appreciation to Kathy and her husband Gary Hoskins for spending time with Bill in his final weeks.