With heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of our dear brother and fellow soldier for the Republic, David Carl Hertler, on July 12, 2026, at the age of 80. A man of unwavering faith, steadfast patriotism, and deep devotion to truth, David completed his earthly journey surrounded by the legacy of the principles he championed and the family he cherished.
Born on October 30, 1945, David lived a life marked by service — to God, to family, and to the country that he believed was divinely established. He was a United States Navy Veteran who served his nation with honor. Throughout his working years, he applied his dedication and integrity in accounting, construction, and real estate. He retired after 30 years as a Rural Carrier with the United States Post Office.
Retirement did not slow David’s calling, it clarified it. For 15 years, he labored side-by-side with his beloved wife, partner, and best friend, Jean Hallahan Hertler, in the great mission of restoring the American Republic as originally founded. Together, they immersed themselves in the archives of America’s earliest records, founding-era writings, vintage out-of-print books, and the sermons of the Patriot Preachers who helped ignite the American Revolution.
David was an early and influential member of the re-inhabited Republic for the united States of America. He served in Wisconsin’s first free State Congress, as well as the first session of the national Congress in the House of Representatives, where he taught American history, not from textbooks, but from source documents and the Word of God.
In addition, for 9 years, David taught during weekly conference meetings on the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Biblical principles upon which the nation was built. He traveled throughout Wisconsin, giving presentations with clarity, conviction, and heartfelt urgency. For 6 years, he and Jean faithfully served on the Republic News Network radio program, bringing historical truth and spiritual insight to millions across the country and to listeners in 88 nations, including many serving overseas in the U.S. military.
A gifted orator, David memorized speeches and quotes from the Founding Fathers. He often appeared in public in period dress as Patrick Henry, delivering impassioned reminders of the Liberty our forefathers fought to secure. He was co-author with his wife Jean of the two-volume Re-Inhabited series and led the charge in authoring God’s Solution for America and the Nations of the World.
David was a spiritual leader whose compass was the Holy Bible, much of which he had memorized. He boldly taught how Scripture shaped early America and must again shape the hearts of the people today if Liberty is to be regained and preserved. He frequently declared, as did our Founding Fathers, that civil and religious liberty cannot be separated, and that virtue — godly character—is the prerequisite for lasting Liberty, which comes only through Christ the Messiah.
Above all, David’s passion was twofold: that his family would be secure and blessed, and that his country would return to its Biblical roots. He wanted his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to know the God of the Bible and to live in a nation that once again honors Him. His voice, his teachings, and his example will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him.
To Jean—his wife, partner, and best friend—and to Perry (Melissa), Chad (Melody), Seth, James Hedden, Theresa “Tess” Brotzman, and all the grandchildren and extended family: you have lost a husband, father, and grandfather whose example will endure. David’s life proved that one person, wholly committed to God and Liberty, can influence generations.
We who remain in the Republic movement will carry the torch that he helped ignite. We will continue teaching the truth that he championed, studying the documents that he cherished, and contending for the restoration that he gave his later years to advance.
David ran his race with endurance and unending faith. He fought the good fight for the Republic and for the King of kings.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Rest now, brother. We will see you again.
In Christ and for the Republic,
Your grateful friends who walked beside you in this great endeavor
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Republic for the united States of America at www.republicforusa.org to honor David’s legacy.
