Erik F. Hertzel

Erik Franklin Hertzel, 44, of Sabetha, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at his home north of Sabetha.

Erik was born on July 6, 1980, in Sabetha, the first of two children born to Gerry and Ellen (Plattner) Hertzel. Erik grew up in the family home, north of Sabetha, where he developed a strong connection to nature and the outdoors. In 1998, Erik graduated from Sabetha High School. Following high school, he attended and graduated from Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska, and Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. On August 17, 2003, Erik married Shelli (Grant) from Latty, Ohio.

Erik was passionate about the things he loved in life. He cared deeply for his wife and children, and he will be greatly missed by them and the rest of his extended family. Erik had a natural talent and love for music, and his family is grateful for the memories created through his music and for his recordings. In his professional career, he was highly respected for his work as an IT specialist in the banking industry. Most importantly, Erik had resolute faith in his Savior, whose desire is that all men will come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).

Erik was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Walter and Joyce Plattner, and his paternal grandfather, Frank Hertzel.

Erik is survived by his wife, Shelli, and their four children, Elsie, Aaron, Austin, and Elena Hertzel, all of the family home north of Sabetha; his parents, Gerry and Ellen Hertzel of Sabetha; his brother, Mark (Kari) Hertzel of Sabetha; his paternal grandmother, Ruth Hertzel of Sabetha; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Phil and Gloria Grant of Ohio; his sister-in-law, Amy (Cris) Hopkins of Ohio; his brothers-in-law, Brad (Kim) Grant, Alan Grant, Benji (Trish) Grant, and Barry (Julia) Grant all of Ohio; and his many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. Erik’s funeral service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Apostolic Christian Church in Sabetha. Before the funeral service, a second visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be made in the Albany Cemetery, north of Sabetha. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Christian Apostolic Church in Sabetha, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.