John R. "Jack" Ertmer's Obituary
Space would not allow us to recount all of the stories and memories, the accomplishments and hijink, or the humor and the wisdon of our late Jack Ertmer, who left us peacefully in his home on Friday, September 4, 2009. Born John Raymond Ertmer on January 24, 1920 in Mitchell, SD, Jack was one of ten children. During the Depression he worked to help his father support their family and after graduating from Aquin High School in Freeport, IL, in 1939, he served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946. During World War II he was stationed at Pearl Harbor and was 21 years old on historic December 7, 1941. He served aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge, After five more years of service, he was honorably discharged and was awarded the American Defense Star Ribbon, American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacfic Area Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. On June 6, 1947 he married Mary Cecelia Henry and moved to Elizabeth, IL where they started their family and lived for several years. The Ertmers finally settled in Oshkosh, where he owned Jack's Service on Washington Avenue for many years. He was always so proud to say how many wonderful people he'd met and how he could call them all friends. Avid fisherman, reowned handy man, golfer, hunter, wood worker, mechanic, gardner....this list could go on, as there are few things the man did not do. There was no question he could not answer, no task he could not complete and nothing he ever forgot. He was humble, stubborn, gracious, independent, kind, funny, hardworking and amazingly selfless. This world is a greater place for having known him and this obituary is hard pressed to even remotely testify to the greatness of his character. He had an enormous impact on all who knew him and he will be very, very deeply missed. He was greeted in Heaven by his daughter: Nancy Ann Ertmer, his parents: Robert and Mayme (Clancy) Ertmer; his sisters: Patricia Costello, Shirley O'Rourke, Margaret Ertmer, Pauline Pirages, Dorothy Rife and Bernice Wertschnig; his brothers: Lawrence and Robert Ertmer and many other friends and family members. And he lives on in the hearts and minds of his loving wife of 62 years: Mary Ertmer; his sister: Sister Adelle Ertmer of Milwaukee; his children: Richard (Susan) Ertmer, Mary Margaret (Mark) Davis both of Oshkosh; his grandchildren: Ben Davis and Nikki Davis both of Oshkosh and B.J. (Holly) Ertmer and Jon (Liz) Ertmer both of Appleton and countless other family, friends and neighbors.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2009 in the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (St. Mary's site) on the corner of Merritt and Monroe Street, with Rev. Fr. Jim Jugenheimer as celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery with full military rites. Friends may greet the family from 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday in the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been establised for Mary C. Ertmer, of whom he always took loving care, a privilege that must now be passed onto us. Online condolences may be made at: fissbillspoklasny.com
Fiss & Bills Funeral Home 865 S. Westhaven Drive 920-235-1170
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