Eugene Harold Hertel, age 65, of Hot Springs, SD died November 21, 2006 at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs, SD.

Gene was born March 5, 1941 to Emil and Katherine (Dietterle) Hertel in Macintosh, SD. He was the middle of 11 children. Gene lived in several communities in South Dakota and Montana before coming to Hot Springs.

He served for a hitch in the United States Army. Gene retired from the VA Medical Center Fire Department in 1993.

Left to mourn his passing his wife, Charlotte of Hot Springs, SD; two sons, Wendell Hertel of Hot Springs, SD; Wayne Hertel of Hot Springs, SD; daughter, Kristine (Jason) Bogner of Oral, SD; two step sons, Jim (Jody) Tackett of Milford, IA; Michael Tackett of Bethany, OK; four brothers, Norman (Mary) Hertel of Lead, SD; Julius (Joni) Hertel of Mosher, SD; Marvin (Lisa) Hertel of Sun City West, AZ; Kenneth (Virginia) Hertel of Dupree, SD; three sisters, Iola Jochim of Lodi, CA; Margie Aldinger of Spearfish, SD; Marlyn Hogue of Boise, ID; sister-in-law, Alta Hertel of Rapid City, SD; brother-in-law, Dave Hannah of Lead, SD; three grandchildren; five step grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Memorial Services will be held 10:30 am, Saturday, November 25, 2006 at the Hot Springs Christian Church with Pastor Bill Hallsted officiating.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com