Richard Ertel

Richard R. "Dick" Ertel, 80, of Sheboygan, died unexpectedly at his home, on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. He was born on January 25, 1936 in Racine, to G. Bud and Ann (Zunter) Ertel. The family moved to Sheboygan where he attended Washington Grade School and Sheboygan North High School, graduating with the class of 1954.
Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958, serving on the Flagstaff of Destroyer Squadron 34 from 1954 until 1956, home port Newport, R.I. The ship was involved in cruises to the Middle East, patrolling the Suez Canal with stops in Egypt, Lebanon and Israel. His duty also included cruises to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on shakedown and midshipmen training. In 1957 and 1958 Dick served at Portsmouth Naval Retraining Command as a Legal Aid and Counselor. He also enjoyed playing on the base softball team, competing while traveling the East coast.
Dick was united in marriage to Diane Dales (his high school sweetheart) on February 6th, 1957 in Elkton, MD. They moved back to Wisconsin after honorably serving and being discharged from the Navy. He continued his education, receiving his B.S Degree of Economics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Dick was employed at the K.W. Muth Co. from 1962 to 1966, and the Vollrath Co. from 1966 to 1978 working in sales & management positions. He then moved on to the J.J. Koepsell Co., serving as Operations Manager until 1988. Dick retired from Sheboygan Paper Box Co. in 2001. From that day on "Every day was a holiday."
Through the years, Dick enjoyed playing softball on various teams until age 50 when he hung up the spikes. He also enjoyed coaching football and basketball in the Y.M.C.A. youth programs. In addition, he coached in the Sheboygan Softball Association (S.S.A.), eventually leading a youth girls team to five consecutive state championships and five national tournaments.
Dick served on the Board of the Directors of the S.S.A. from 1979 to 1985, serving as the organization's president during the last three years. He was inducted into the S.S.A. Hall of Fame in 1986 and the U.S.S.S.A Hall of Fame in 1990. He was proud of his contributions to the organizations, providing a good atmosphere at Wildwood Softball Complex for players and spectators.
Dick was a proud father, particularly in the fact that all four children were national Honor Society members, musicians, and were all well-rounded in sports following them was an experience he enjoyed greatly. He was also not shy about showing his pride when talking about them.
In his retirement, Dick enjoyed being with family and following his grandchildren as they participated in their school and athletic activities. It was a hectic time, as 11 grandchildren called for lots of time on the road. He also enjoyed yardwork while he was able. Teka, his constant Pomeranian K9 companion, was always at his side. He spoiled her with "people food" and car rides.
His family was his inspiration, especially his loving wife who was supportive, understanding and a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. He would tell you that she has a heart of gold that all of her children inherited. Life is good.
Dick is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Diane of Sheboygan. He is also survived by his adoring children and grandchildren; Debbi (Mark) Reinemann and their three children Tyler, Mallory and Carlee (special friend Carter Fern) all of Sheboygan; Dori Walsh of La Crosse and her sons Kyle (Samantha) of Madison, and Quinn of La Crosse and great-granddaughter Cecilia Rose; Rick (Heather) Ertel of Sheboygan and their three children Christian of Milwaukee, Sara and Noah of Sheboygan; Jodi (Jon) Mott and their three children Kaila (Curt) Koenig, Kortnie (Dustin Weier) Guske and great-granddaughter Sophie Jo Weier, and Ethan (special friend Hannah Hodges) Guske, all of Sheboygan, brother Ronald (Roxanne) of Sheboygan, brothers-in-law Hugh Dales of Thiensville and David (Lila) Dales of Minnetonka, MN, and sister-in-law Rhoda Dales of Elkhart Lake, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Hugh A. and Ursula (Chandler) Dales, brother-in-law Ronald Dales, sister-in-law Mary Dales, and sons-in-law Brian Walsh and Mark Guske.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2016 at 12:00 noon at First Congregational Church, 310 Bluff Avenue, Sheboygan, with Pastor Jim Hollister officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, July 15, 2016 from 10:30am until time of service at the Church.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Richard's name.