Delores Jane Hertel, 88, Schoenchen, died Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Via Christi.
She was born August 2, 1934 in La Crosse, the daughter of Albinus and Bertha (Randa) Munch. She graduated from Schoenchen High School, and on October 24, 1953, was united in marriage to Joseph Hertel at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. They later divorced. Delores was an assembly worker at Travenol for many years, and her memberships included St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen and the St. Anthony Altar Society Christian Mothers. Her hobbies included playing cards and games, crossword puzzles, watching gameshows and KU basketball games. She loved dancing, especially polka dancing, her summer flowers, sitting outside, trips to the casino in Dodge City, and dining out on weekends. Faith and family were most important to Delores and she always enjoyed when family was together, cooking them delicious German meals, and making beautiful quilts for her grandchildren.
Survivors include her three sons: Glen Hertel and wife Kathy of Ellinwood, Rex Hertel of Schoenchen, and Jeffrey Hertel and wife Becky of Salina, three daughters: Jolene Zimmerman of La Crosse, Becky Wachs and husband Curt of Hays, and Karen Spanier and friend Mike “Ziggy” Siegler of Groton, SD, 13 grandchildren: Lyndsae Schoenthaler and husband Derek, Jesse Wahlmeier and wife Karyl, Jill Suchy and husband Travis, Jason Wahlmeier and wife Kelsie, Amber Hertel, Derek Hertel, Megan Hertel, Lance Zimmerman and wife Andria, Kyle Zimmerman and wife Sara, Bryce Wachs and wife Traci, Brooks Wachs, Raelyn Buscho and husband Cole, and Brandon Spanier and wife Melissa, and 21 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother: Earl J. Munsch, and a son-in-law: Loran Zimmerman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Thursday, January 12, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Fr. Curtis Carlson, O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Thursday at church. A combined Altar Society Christian Mothers and Daughters of Isabella Rosary will be at 6:30 pm followed by a vigil service at 7:00 pm, both on Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Anthony Church, St. Anthony Cemetery, or to Relay for Life of Ellis County. Condolences and memories of Delores may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com