Martin Hertel

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Martin Terrence Alan Hertel, who left us on the morning of January 7, 2026, at the age of 53 after battling respiratory disease. He was born on August 26, 1972, in Salt Lake City to Jenny Lynn Rasmussen and William Arthur Hertel.

Martin graduated from Cyprus High School in 1990, where he was an excellent student and on the wrestling team. He has remained good friends with many of his high school buddies.

Martin lived a full and loving life. He was known for his big millionaire-like personality and telling a good story. He was able to change the entire energy of the room just by walking in and being able to talk to anyone with confidence and ease. He brought joy everywhere he went and wanted to see everyone around him succeed. He loved to share a good laugh and was always unapologetically himself. Through his many tall tales, he was a man who wanted to capture the attention of those around him and cherish them deeply.

Throughout his life, he touched countless lives as a leader, father, and good friend. Martin was always up to watch a movie after making a quick trip to 7-Eleven or Taco Bell first. He was also an avid gamer who loved World of Warcraft and made many lifelong friends through his favorite game.

Martin married Wendy Sutter in 1994 at the tender age of 21. They were married for 20 years during which they had their beautiful daughter Jenna L. Hertel who is his pride and joy, and he bragged about her constantly. Although they divorced, he and Wendy remained good friends to this day.

Martin spent the last few months in the hospital and a rehabilitation center recovering from surgery. Thanks to Facebook, he spent much of that time reconnecting with many family members and old friends that he hadn't spoken with in years. It really filled his heart with happiness and hope knowing so many people cared about him. Hopefully everyone knows how much he cared about them too.

Martin is survived by his sister Rhonda Farrar (Derrell), his brother Wayne Hertel (Suzanne), his sister Kimberly Young (Rory), daughter Jenna Hertel, his ex-wife Wendy Rose (Art), his stepfather Jess Rasmussen, sons at heart Noah and Bowen Nelson, his nieces Amanda Barker (Dustin) and Megan Green (Jamie, and Julia), his nephews Tristan Aufdemorte (Imani, Za'Brielle, Ra'Leia), Grayson Hertel, and Ryan Hertel, as well as siblings Kelly, Michael, and Becky Hertel. He was preceded in death by his mother Jenny Rasmussen, father William Hertel, brother Billy Hertel, as well as many grandparents, uncles, and other beloved family members.

A celebration of Martin's life will be held at 6:00 pm on January 13, 2026, at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Family and friends are invited to share memories and honor Martin's legacy.