Colonel Robert G. Hertel, US Army, Ret., 93, passed away on September 12, 2022, in Leesburg, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rosemary, in 2012. He is survived by his three children: son Richard Hertel (Karen) of Easton, Pennsylvania; and daughters Marguerite Munroe (Bill) of Cross Junction, Virginia, and Nancy Nowakowski (Mark) of San Diego, California, sister-in-law Kay Eggleston (Len) of Hemet California as well as six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren, a niece and a nephew.

Bob was born on April 21, 1929 in Hays, Kansas, and grew up in Salina, Kansas, attending Catholic schools including Sacred Heart High School. He met his future wife, Rosemary Haerle, while he was attending Kansas Wesleyan University and she was attending nearby Marymount College. They married in 1952 when Bob was a newly-commissioned 2nd Lt. in the US Army. Bob and Rosemary moved more than 20 times to different Army posts in the United States and Germany.

During his 30 years of service, Bob sought and was selected for the toughest assignments and commands in storied units such as the 1st Infantry Division, the Old Guard, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the 82nd Airborne Division. He had over 10 years of foreign service and was an inspiring leader who was selected to command at the company, battalion, and brigade level. Bob deployed to both Korea and Viet Nam, with his last combat tour to Viet Nam serving as the Battalion Commander of the 2-503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment in 1970. His service touched the lives of countless paratroopers and soldiers, and his passion inspired others to serve their country.
Bob's continued interest in higher education led him to a BS degree from George Washington University, an MPA from Shippensburg State, and an MBA from St Mary's College. Following his retirement from the Army in 1982, Bob worked for Lawrence Livermore Labs in Livermore, California, and TRW in Dulles, Virginia.
Bob and Rosemary moved to Leesburg in 1994 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road, Leesburg, on 29 September from 6-8 pm.

A funeral Mass will be held on September 30 at 10:00am at St John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to a nonprofit agency serving military veterans or first responders.
Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.