Helen A. Hertel, 90 of Russell died Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at Via Christi St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Helen was born August 1, 1920 on the family farm near Vincent, Kansas the daughter of Frank and Marie (Weigel) Brungardt.  Her family moved to the Hays area where she grew up and attended catholic school.

Helen was united in marriage to Clarence A. Hertel on April 8, 1948 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays, Kansas.  This union was blessed with three sons; Dennis, Brian and Joseph.  They made their home in Victoria until 1956 when they moved to Russell.  Clarence preceded her in death on September 20, 2009.

Helen was a devoted wife and mother.  She also worked for Travenol in Hays during the 1970’s.

Helen was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She also enjoyed knitting, quilting, baking, spending time in her flower garden and taking care of her granddaughters.

Surviving family include her two sons, Dennis Hertel and wife Debbie of Wichita, Kansas and Brian Hertel and wife Debbie of Emporia, Kansas; sister, Clara Sack of Hays, Kansas; and three granddaughters, Brandi, Megan and Erin.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Joseph, five brothers and five sisters.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 7, 2011 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell with Fr. Charles Steier officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  A Vigil & Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday, January 6, 2011 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  A memorial has been established in Clarence’s memory with Alzheimer’s Association.  Contribution and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Condolences may also be sent via email at www.pvpmortuary.com.