John F. Ertl
John F. Ertl, 84, of Guttenberg passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 29, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guttenberg, conducted by Rev. Marvin Bries and Deacon Jim Pfaffly. Visitation was before services at the church.
Burial was in the church cemetery.
John was born on Feb. 25, 1939, in Dubuque, the son of Fred and Gertrude (Sauser) Ertl. John attended Nativity Grade School, Loras Academy, and Bayless Business College. While in school, John helped assemble toy tractors in the family basement which later became Ertl Company.
John met the love of his life, Patricia Bierman, and they were engaged on Valentine’s Day of 1960. They were married on Nov. 26, 1960, and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. To this union, four children were born: Deb, Jim, Tom, and Bill.
In 1974, John left the Ertl Company and moved his family to Guttenberg to be by the river he loved. He then started Guttenberg Industries, Inc., a custom plastic injection molding facility. John was so proud that his wife, Pat and all four children worked in the family business by his side. He was also very proud to see Guttenberg Industries celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.
John loved to go fishing with his wife. They enjoyed years on the river, catching fish and relaxing. The family enjoyed house boating for seven years prior to moving to Guttenberg. John was also an avid hunter and enjoyed teaching his sons how to hunt, and together they enjoyed many hunting trips. He loved to garden and everyone benefitted from his huge crop of lettuce, tomatoes, and cantaloupe. John would make the rounds in the neighborhood, office, and factory, giving away his produce. He was so happy to share his produce that everyone enjoyed.
John loved his swimming pool and the family to gather for laughter and a good cookout. There may have been a cold beer enjoyed as well. He enjoyed playing with all the grandchildren in the pool and watching them learn how to swim. He loved spending time with all his grandchildren, whether it was swimming, fishing, playing Sequence, or cards. He was very good at talking across the table and being mischievous. He loved to tease all the kids. He would never pass up the chance for a good hot dog, or ice cream of any kind. He enjoyed trips to The Barn for dinner with Pat and the family. Whoever was around, they would hop in the car and go.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia; children, Deb (Chris) Moser, Jim (friend, Jackie Adams) Ertl, Tom (Lynn) Ertl, and Bill Ertl, all of Guttenberg; grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Brossett, Nicole (Josh) Shepherd, David (friend, Allen Dolphin) Moser, Justin Ertl, Ethan Ertl, Emily Ertl, Olivia Ertl, Gavin Ertl; four great-grandchildren, triplets who were recently born and John was looking forward to meeting them as well as a great-grandson due in July; siblings, Joe (Helen) Ertl, Carol (Mike) Lundergan; in-laws, Darlene Ertl, Sue Ertl, Diane (Don) Overman, Linda McClure, Doug (Deb) Bierman, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Alfred and Delores Bierman; grandchildren, Toby and Elisa Ertl; brothers, Fred, Bob, Alan Ertl; in-laws, Nancy Ertl, Loras Benn, and Gary McClure.
John and Pat enjoyed every day in their home living along the Mississippi River and would sit for hours, watching the river barges pass by. There was no place better than their home, slip the boat in and head out fishing. Gather with the family and enjoy life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, or St. Croix Hospice.
Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased), 207 S. First St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.
