Jeffrey Lynn Hertel was born December 25, 1970 in Lebanon, Missouri the son of Kirby Lynn Hertel and Sandra Kay (Freeman) Hertel. He died peacefully at his home on Monday, November 4, 2013 at the age of 42.

Jeff graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1989. He graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in accounting. He worked as a senior staff accountant for the OU Health Sciences Center.He married Melissa Marie Maurer on August 10, 1996.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa; his father and step-mother, Kirby and Retha Hertel of Fillmore, OK; his brother, Jerry Hertel and his wife Melissa of Claremore, OK; his beloved dogs, Cocoa and Pepper; his father and mother-in-law, Madeline and Maurice Maurer; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Michelle and Christian Nimmo; his nieces and nephews, Jennifer and Johnathan Hertel, Cooper, Drake, Estella and Elijah Nimmo. Besides family, Jeff leaves behind many dear friends whom have been like an extended family.

Jeff was known for his fun sense of humor, positive outlook and how much love he had for his friends and family - you could always count on him to help you move, provide a place to crash or lend you a book. Jeff loved dogs, Steelers football and St. Louis Cardinals baseball, reading, games, and spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.