Carol Else Hertel

The celebration of the life of Carol Irene Else Hertel began on November 23, 1931, Fairbury, Nebraska, when she was born into the arms of her parents, Loyal Delorme Else and Rose Elizabeth Lohmeyer Else and brothers, Loyal Jr., Othal and William Else.

After years of courageous battles with cancer, she was received into the arms of her loving God on June 13, 2012. Carol was raised on the family farm in Hollenberg, Kansas, graduated from Fairbury High School (1949) in Nebraska, and became a Cornhusker at the University of Nebraska where she received her teaching credential in1953.

Being an adventurer at heart, she moved ‘way out west’ to teach in Ventura, California. It was here that she met the love of her life, Francis Westerfeld “Wes” Hertel, Jr. They were married on February 7, 1959 and moved to his family ranch in Santa Paula, California. They were blessed with the births of three daughters, Lynne Carol, Lori Christine, and Erica Francine. Her life in Santa Paula was filled with supporting her husband in his activities with Rotary, the Masonic Lodge and agriculture; providing enriching experiences for her daughters in music, charity work, and church; actively supporting the First Presbyterian Church, Briggs PTA, the Republican Party and the Ventura County Symphony. Her appreciation for land combined with her love for serving others, produced a fulfilling career in real estate which she enjoyed for more than 30 years.

In 1983, Carol and Wes realized their dream of moving to their property in Ventura. They enjoyed ten wonderful years there, including the birth of their first two grandchildren, before Wes’ death on February 14, 1994. Her love for God and the arts in all its forms supplied her enthusiasm for active support of Community Presbyterian Church, New West Symphony, Museum of Ventura County, Santa Barbara Opera, and the Santa Paula Art Museum. Her life revolved around her 10 grandchildren, as she delighted in supporting and celebrating every aspect of their lives. She will be remembered for her love of the arts, college football (Go Big Red!), her great love of family and friends and her intense courage and steadfast determination to survive, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

She is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Lan and Lynne Merrill, David and Lori Holst, Joe and Erica Wyse; brother, Othal Else and June; ten grandchildren, Wes, Shelby and Roni Merrill, John, Christine and Katherine Holst, Rose, Jayda, Josiah, and Lily Wyse; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ronald L. and Carolyn Hertel, Robert and Marianne Mize, Marlene Crozier and Ruth Else; as well as precious cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Presbyterian Church, 1555 Poli St., Ventura, CA, 93003 and the Carol E. Hertel Memorial Fund at the New West Symphony, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

A time of personal remembrance and visitation will be held Sunday, June 24, 2012, 2:00P.M. until 5:00P.M., at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Santa Paula Cemetery. A Celebration of Life memorial service and reception will be held Monday, June 25, 2012, 2:00 P.M., at the Community Presbyterian Church, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.