Richard J. Hertlein

Richard “Rich” J. Hertlein, age 69, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City.

Rich was born the son of the late Robert P. and Marcella C. (Hafner) Hertlein on April 2, 1952. He was a 1970 graduate from Seaman High School.

On April 27, 1974, Rich was united in marriage to Norma J. Wroth at Assumption Catholic Church. Together, they shared 47 years of marriage.

Rich enjoyed gardening, fishing and animals. He raised all types of animals on his mini farm years ago. On January 15, 2019, Rich was gifted a second chance at life and was a heart transplant recipient. Through the gift of organ donation, he was able to enjoy almost three additional years of life. He and his family will always be grateful and advocates of organ donation.

Survivors include his beloved wife of the home, Norma Hertlein; daughter, Sarah Basaldua; two grandsons, Nathan and Adrian Basaldua; three brothers, Mike Hertlein (Cindy), Ron Hertlein (Julie) and Dave Hertlein (Tina); one sister, Coleen Coker (Darryl).

Viewing with visitation will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Rosary will be held at 5:00 P.M., with visitation to follow until 8:00 P.M. Per the family request, masks will be required at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made in Rich’s memory to Saint Luke’s Foundation, 901 E. 104^th St., #100, Kansas City, MO 64131 and/or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.