Deborah Hertel Obituary

Debbie (Deborah) Jean Hertel, age 69, passed away on July 3, 2025. She was born on April 21, 1956, in Libertyville, Illinois, to Irving Hertel and the late Lidwina Hertel (nee Elfering). Debbie is survived by her loving children, Katelyn (Brian) Catalano, Matthew Jenkins, and Christopher (Quincy) Jenkins; her cherished grandchildren, Gemma and Giovanni Catalano, Madison and Brayden Jenkins, and Eliott and Everett Jenkins; and her devoted partner, Ken Miller. She is also survived by her two sisters, Yvonne (Mike) Piefer and Karen (Kim) Kobernick. Debbie was preceded in death by her precious baby boy, Jeremy Jenkins.
A proud graduate of Grayslake Community High School, Class of 1974, Debbie found joy in serving her community. Once her three children were off at school, she began working at McHenry High School as a beloved school cafeteria worker, where she took great pleasure in greeting and caring for the students each day. Later, she continued spreading her kindness while working at Target, always ready with a friendly word or helpful hand. She also lovingly cared for her late Aunt Lillian Hertel for several years, until Aunt Lil's passing at the remarkable age of 101.
Debbie was a dedicated and generous partner, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She brought joy wherever she went with her love, kindness, and welcoming spirit. An incredibly strong and hard-working woman who rarely sat still, Debbie especially loved baking and cooking for others. She spoiled family and friends alike with her cakes, cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, and countless other treats. At every family event - from baby showers to weddings to holiday gatherings - her delicious desserts were a highlight, often baked by the hundreds. Even in her final months, when she could no longer enjoy her own sweets, she continued to share them with others. Debbie took delight in ensuring that everyone who entered her home left with full hearts, full bellies, and a smile.
She also enjoyed gardening, traveling, and playing cards with her family and friends. As her family grew, her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren. She loved pulling out toys and storybooks, making them special breakfasts and meals, and snuggling with them every chance she got. Those who knew her best will remember her playful sense of humor, positive outlook, and contagious laugh. It eases our hearts to know she was greeted by joyful wagging tails from the beloved dogs she cherished, and embraced by the arms of her loved ones waiting to welcome her home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Debbie's memory to On Angels' Wings Animal Shelter in Crystal Lake, Illinois, or to an animal shelter of your choice. Family and friends are invited to a Visitation to celebrate her life at Colonial Funeral Home in McHenry, Illinois, on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at The Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry, Illinois on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Church of Holy Apostles Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah, please visit our floral store.