Arthur Ertel

Racine- Arthur Ertel, 85, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Thursday, December 6, 2007. Art was born in Sheboygan, WI on February 17, 1922 to the late Gottlieb and Elizabeth (nee: Hermann) Ertel. He was a lifelong resident of Racine. Art attended local schools including Horlick and Park High Schools. He went on to attend Marquette University. Art faithfully served our Country with the United States Army Air Corps in WWII from Nov. 6, 1942 – May 22, 1945. He flew C-47’s with the 315th Troop Carrier Group, flying many dangerous missions over Normandy, Holland, Rhineland and Central Europe. These brave men and women of the 315th have remained in close contact during their lives especially through their annual reunions. It was on September 1, 1951 in Crown Point, IN that Art was united in marriage with the love of his life, Jean Potterville. With his strong business and accounting passion, Art began his career with Massey-Ferguson from 1950 – 1957. Following, he began employment with Walker Mfg. in 1957. Art’s position with Walker increased in responsibility into the senior management ranks. One of Art’s major business accomplishments was the establishment of Walker’s entire foreign operations which required him to travel worldwide throughout his career. His tireless dedication and incredible work ethic earned him great respect among his peers, retiring as Executive Vice-President in 1982. Art and Jean were longtime members of Meadowbrook Country Club where he was an avid golfer: a love which he has passed on through his children to his grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, travel and tending to his beautiful yard. Above all, Art’s family was the top priority in life and his proudest achievement of all. Art was truly a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Surviving are his loving wife of over 56 years, Jean of Racine; daughter, Debra (Timothy) McGilsky of Mount Pleasant, MI; sons, Gary (Judith) Ertel of Brookfield and Dean (Janet) Ertel of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Katherine McGilsky, James and Emily Ertel, Matthew and Kevin Ertel; brothers, Harold (Lillian) Ertel and William (Joan) Ertel, both of Racine. Further surviving are many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Art was preceded in death by his brothers, Gottlieb “Bud” Ertel and John (Lucille) Ertel; and sister, Erma Dunham. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Monday, December 17, 2007 at 12:00 noon. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday, December 17th, from 11 am – 12 noon. In memory of Art, memorials to the Jane Cremer Foundation (for educating and empowering women of SE Wisconsin in the fight against cancer) has been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. John F. Brennan and to the fine staff of All Saints Medical Center for the compassionate care and support that was so warmly extended to Art and to our family.