Hershel Hall

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hershel Louis Hall, 85, of Brighton, Michigan. Hershel passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025. He was the loving husband of the late Diane, who he was married to for 58 years. He leaves behind his daughter Kim Zitny; son Todd (Jaime) Hall; grandchildren Leigh (Zach) Hansmann; Alison Stewart; Shawn (Shelby) Stewart; Keegan (Sara) Hall; Lauren (Scott) Robbins; and Matthew (Paige) Zitny; and great grandchildren June and Dean Hansmann; Amelie Hall; and Lincoln Robbins; and his sister, Winifred (John) Engleby.

Hershel attended St. Ceclia school in Detroit, graduating in 1957. He went on to attend Highland Park Community College and Walsh College, studying business and accounting. He also served briefly in the Army National Guard Reserves in Fort Bliss, Texas.

After attempting a couple of office jobs, Hershel quickly realized he was a people person who needed to be out interacting with folks, telling jokes, slaying with his sarcasm and charming doctors and purchasing agents into buying oodles of pharmaceuticals, orthopedic soft goods or surgical tables from him. His gift was in sales and building teams of successful sales representatives – most notably the infamous team called the “Whoa Boys” who showed up at every company sales event donning cowboy hats and carrying a 20-foot-long stuffed snake named Floyd. He earned numerous sales awards, both as an individual and a regional manager.

With a reputation for being attracted to tall blonde women, it will forever be a mystery why he was set up on a blind date with Diane, a petite brunette. But mystery turned to destiny. The two wed in 1964 and started their family a year later. Their shared love of water and adventure lead them into boating. At first it was a small speed boat, but they shifted to sailing and spent many glorious summers exploring the great lakes by sailboat. Hershel especially enjoyed teaching his children, and later his grandchildren, about boating, sailing and fishing.

As age and ailments caught up with Hershel, sailing became difficult, and they moved into powerboating, spending many evenings sipping wine and looking out over Lake Charlevoix from their floating cottage. Known for his quick wit and off-color jokes, laughter was always on deck, regardless of the type of vessel.

It’s smooth sailing from here, Hershel. You’re home with your first mate, no doubt exploring many new ports of call in paradise.

Information regarding a memorial service will be shared once arrangements have been made.