Mary Hertel

Mary A. Hertel, 79, died Sep. 23, 2022, in Fort Wayne. She was born May 14, 1943, in Portland to Mildred Cecilia (Moran) and Anthony Stephen Brinksneader. She was married Nov. 18, 1976, to Richard Hertel.
She grew up on the maternal family farm in Adams County, a farm that has been in the family since 1874. She attended Coldwater, Ohio, High School, graduating as class salutatorian in 1961. She earned bachelors and masters degrees from Ball State University. She was a social worker for 31 years at Family and Children’s Services in Allen County. She enjoyed travel, reading, flower gardens, all variety of wildlife and especially time at the farm.
Visitation is from 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Following the mass, there will be visitation from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church, 5790E. 1100S., Geneva with burial and committal at the church cemetery immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to either of the churches or to a worthy cause of the donor’s preference. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com.