Gary Donald Ertl

Gary Donald Ertl, age 75 of Coloma passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday, March 9, 2025 at his home. Gary was born in Fond du Lac on October 19, 1949 to Donald and Dorothy (Horn) Ertl and moved to Stockbridge in 1951. He attended St. Mary Grade School in Stockbridge, St. Mary Central High School in Menasha and furthered his education at UW-Oshkosh earning a nursing degree in 1973 as well as a degree from Wausau Hospitals School of Anesthesia in 1976. Gary met Brenda Bartelt under the drapes in the operating room; they were united in marriage on July 3, 1976 and blessed with two children. The two later divorced but remained close.

Gary worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for 25 years at Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill and 10 years at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage. His kind and joyful personality made him the original Patch Adams, easing the fear of surgery for children. He made the jolliest hospital Santa Clause. His love and compassion was felt by all his friends, patients, and their families.

Gary was a member of the Knights of Colombus and a past member of several professional and environmental organizations. Locally he stayed connected to his community seeing the importance of our youth closely following the: schoolboard, fair board and 4-H. Gary taught catechism at St. Roberts Catholic Church in Merrill and served at Good Shephard Catholic Church in Westfield. He volunteered for medical missionary trips to Honduras as well as delivering community meals for the local soup and sandwich mission. Gary was also a strong advocate for the Ice Age Trail, serving as chairperson for 10 years.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman. Fishing and hunting filled his time, but he also enjoyed hiking, stargazing, collecting, marathons and counting sandhill cranes. Some of Gary’s most cherished times were spent with his best friend, Otis at the cabin, but most of all he loved to laugh and be with his five grandchildren. He will be affectionately remembered as “Grand-pie” for his legendary pies, cookies and scones.

Gary is survived by his children: Joshua (Beth) and their children, Victor and Leia of Ashland and Antoinette (Joseph) Marotz and their children Johnathan, Abraham, and Henry of Westfield. He is also survived by two sisters: Karen (Dan) Kilduff and Betty (Lynn) Reaves as well as many special nieces and nephews. Gary is further survived by his godchildren: Angela Groskreutz, Jack Kilduff, Kelsey Reaves, and Matt Rung as well as his brother-in-law, Mark Gajewski.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Linda Gajewski and nephew, Brian Kilduff.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Gary Ertl will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Westfield. Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:45 AM at the church. Father Savio Yerasani will preside and burial will take place privately at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Stockbridge. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 241 E. 6th Street, Westfield, WI 53964.

Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home of Westfield is assisting the family with arrangements. www.steinhaushollyfuneralhome.com