On June 5, 2026, Van Edward Hertel of Nokomis, FL passed peacefully into eternity at the age of 81. Van was born in Newton, Massachusetts to Frederick Ernest Hertel Jr. and Dorothy Elizabeth Hertel. He loved the outdoors and fondly recounted summers spent growing up at his family’s Lake Winnipesaukee home.

Van graduated from Manchester West High School in 1962, and the University of New Hampshire in 1966 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He loved his country and served as a Second Lieutenant in the Vietnam War.

In 1984, Van married his beloved wife, Constance (Connie) Anderson. Through 42 years of marriage, they raised three wonderful children together: Van Hertel Jr, (Lora), Erika Gray (Larry), and Heidi Faulkner (Jon).

Van was a tireless worker and well known throughout New Hampshire and Maine for his work in the land business. He possessed a deep appreciation of the outdoors and was never happier than when walking a boundary line and cruising timber in the woods. He was blessed to turn his love for the outdoors and land into his life’s work.

Van’s faith in Christ was the foundation of his life. He loved the Lord deeply and found his strength and direction in the Word of God. He was a firm believer in Christian education, and supported many Christian schools in the New England area over the years. The Wilds Christian Camp in Deering, NH held a very special place in his heart, and he found joy in funding many scholarships for young people to attend.

Time spent with family was most meaningful to Van, and he loved sharing stories, laughter, and guidance with his grandchildren. Though he loved pursuing real estate ventures and pouring his heart into work, he found his greatest joy more recently in being called “G-Pops” by his great grandchildren.

Van is survived by his wife, Connie; his children; 11 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sister Dodie Houle (Larry); sister-in-law Mary-Beth Hertel; and a community of loved ones who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Dorothy, and his brother, Fred.

A celebration of Van’s life will be held at 1:30 pm on August 31, 2026, at Wolfeboro Bible Church in Wolfeboro, NH.