Lowell Hertzler

Lowell Terrence Hertzler, 79, a resident of Rockingham and longtime member of Lindale Mennonite Church, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at home. By his side were his beloved wife, Betty, and their two sons, Andre and Shelby.

Lowell was born on August 16, 1946, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, to the late Dr. Charles Wenger Hertzler and Esther Rhoda Benner Hertzler. His love of nature started at a very early age while exploring the mountains, woodlands, and winding streams of Bergton, Virginia, where his father served as a country doctor. During his freshman year at Eastern Mennonite College, Lowell spotted a pretty girl in a yellow dress across the crowded gym, and on September 17, 1966, he and Betty Jane Hauder of Milford, Nebraska, were married. After graduating, Lowell worked as the business manager for Mennonite Media, where he served for 43 years. His life exemplified the qualities of quiet dignity, strength, humor, and dedication.

The Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes guided Lowell’s life. He loved singing and lent his resonant bass to several men’s quartets, the congregational hymns at Lindale, and the quiet of his truck as he traveled country roads. He doted on his grandchildren, and gladly took on the responsibility of teaching each of them to drive; many hours were logged on backroads and byways as Lowell gently guided them while entertaining them with stories of his childhood and local history. His family will always remember his satisfied grin as he watched the Yankees and any team grandson Noah is pitching for.

An avid outdoorsman and bowhunter, Lowell devoted a lifetime of patient practice to the art of archery and was recently awarded a Lifetime Membership from the Bowhunters of Rockingham and the Virginia Bowhunters Association, honoring his “exceptional contributions, consistent engagement, and the positive impact [he] made over the years.”

Unwavering in his faith and his love for family and friends, Lowell is deeply missed by his two sons, Andre Hertzler and wife Renee of Dayton, Shelby Hertzler and wife Jodi of Rockingham; his siblings, Willard Hertzler and wife Dorothy, Bonita Jantzi and husband John, Anita Landes and husband Lynn, Susan Hertzler and husband Henry Sgrecci; his grandchildren, Casey Hertzler, Noah Hertzler, Oliver Hertzler and partner Rachel Tusing, Arwen Hertzler, Milo Hertzler, Jessica Olsen and husband Kevan, Zachary Hiter and wife Sydney Corral; his great-grandchild Wells Olsen; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Valerie Brunk Hertzler.

Pastors John Jantzi and Owen Burkholder will conduct a memorial service on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Lindale Mennonite Church, followed by a light meal for all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Highland Retreat, 14783 Upper Highland Drive, Bergton, VA 22811, at www.highlandretreat.org/get-involved/give/.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.