Joanne Mary Ertel

Racine- Joanne Mary (nee: Kardos) Ertel, 83, passed away peacefully at Harmony Commons on Monday, June 7, 2010. A lifetime resident, Joanne was born in Racine on March 21, 1927 to the late Nicholas and Katherine Kardos. She graduated from Washington Park High School in 1945. On January 20, 1951, Joanne was united in marriage with the love of her life, William Ertel, who preceded her in death on February 16, 2008. As a true “people person”, she was employed by Goldblatt’s, Zahn’s, and Piggly Wiggly, from where she retired after over 20 years of service. Joanne was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Always busy with her hands, she enjoyed sewing, knitting, cooking, baking and entertaining. Joanne’s pots in her kitchen were never empty, her cupboards were always full, and she had a heart full of love. When invited elsewhere, she never showed up empty handed and was forever willing to share a recipe or the latest joke. Joanne had a zest for life and her laughter was infectious. Above all, she loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family. Surviving are her children, Kathy Ertel, William (Dorothy) Ertel Jr., Leslie A. (Al) Fellion, all of Racine; and Kurt (Jacquie) Ertel of Puyallup, WA; grandchildren, Jennifer (Dan) Jarrett; Devin, Brenton and Carson Ertel; Derek (Marisa) and Kal (Heather) Fellion; Kara Ertel and Kurt Ertel Jr.; great-grandchildren, Allyce and Nicolas Fellion; brother, George “Duke” (Barbara) Kardos; brother-in-law, Harold (Lillian) Ertel; sister-in-law, Jean Ertel; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved son, Guy Ertel. Funeral services will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 11:00 am with Rev. Stephen Jennings officiating. A reception will follow. Private entombment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-7 pm and on Thursday from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to one’s favorite charity has been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staffs of Harmony Commons and Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support extended during the past two weeks. May God bless all of you!