Memorial

James E Hertel

Chilton WI

James E. (Jim) Hertel, age 91, of Chilton, died on January 21, 2025. He was the eldest son of the late Alfred and Emma (Salm) Hertel. On February 11, 1961, he married Kay Kossman and together they raised five children.

Jim dearly cared for those surviving him: his wife, Kay; his children: Glenn Hertel, Wendy (Brian) Galley, Joseph (Amy) Hertel, Richard “Rick” (Karen) Hertel, and Jay (Tammy) Hertel; grandchildren: Grant, Trevor (Vanesa), Jace (Martine), Benjamin (Megan), Samuel, David, Noah, Nicole, Evan, Weston, Reese, and Sonia; great-grandchildren: Barret, Nico, and Ayjda; a sister: Dolores Hutchinson; and a sister-in-law: Mara Hertel and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Mary (Robert) Wilmes, Margery (Richard) Conner, William (Barbara) Hertel, Ralph Hertel, and Arthur Hertel; brother in-law James "Hutch" Hutchinson; Kay’s parents: Oscar & Myrtle Kossman; and in-laws: Earl (Mae) Kossman, Donald (Mabel) Kossman, Muriel (Mark) Peil, and Lyle (Beverly) Kossman.

Jim served in the Army during the Korean War, and became a member of the American Legion and VFW veteran groups here in Chilton, helping the Legion put out flags throughout the city and local cemeteries for holidays, and taking tickets at high school football games. He was a charter member of the Chilton Lions and was the oldest living member at the time of his death. Throughout his 40 year career, he was a loyal employee of General Telephone (GTE)/Verizon.

Jim was an accomplished athlete during his youth and was once recognized as the best running back in Chilton High School’s history. His passion for football extended to the Green Bay Packers. He and his friends would sneak into City Stadium to watch the team and he became a season ticket holder before Lambeau Field was established. He was there in the frigid conditions to watch the Packers win the “The Ice Bowl.”

Jim had a green thumb, growing flowers and vegetables. Following retirement he enjoyed his coffee group meetings at local restaurants, and golfing with "Pat From New Holstein.”

The family would like to thank all Jim's caregivers and medical staff for their dedication and compassion over the past three years.

Private Catholic family services are being held, and Jim will be laid to rest in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Chilton. A Family and Friends Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday February 1st at Cheers in Chilton from 11:30AM-3PM.