Jean A. Ertel

In many ways, Jean Ertel defined the meaning of devoted wife and mother, loving grandmother, loyal friend, and above all, a woman of devout faith. A true blessing, nothing could have pleased her more than having her family by her side. Through her generous spirit and warmhearted ways, Jean was an inspiration, and her Christian example shone bright to all who knew her. A remarkable woman in the hearts of those she leaves behind, she will be lovingly missed and remembered. It was a time of great change in our nation's history during the infamous Roaring Twenties. A sense of gaiety filled the air as jazz music blossomed, and the flapper redefined modern womanhood at a time when women won the right to vote. It was also a time marked by many firsts. The Walt Disney Company was founded, a vaccine for the whooping cough was developed, and the eight-hour workday was established to keep up with a prospering manufacturing climate. In Racine, Wisconsin, Arthur and Marion (Nemecheck) Potterville experienced great change as well on July 31, 1923 when they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Jean. Jean's father was a photographer by trade, and they made their home in Racine where she was raised as an only child. When Jean was young, her parents divorced, and soon after her father died. It wasn't long before her mother remarried, and Arnold Hansen became the father figure in her young life. She also acquired a stepbrother. Arnold supported their family as a master plumber while her mother remained at home with Jean as a homemaker. Although Jean led a typical childhood for the times, the onset of the Great Depression created times of hardship for all. She loved attending the local school and excelled in her studies. After graduating from Park High School with the Class of 1941, she went to work at an area bank as an administrative assistant. At a time when America was deep in the throws of World War II, Jean was proud to be a volunteer for the USO in support of the troops and their families. And her time at the USO proved to be beneficial in more ways than one. When Jean met Arthur Ertel while volunteering at the USO one day, her life forever changed. After dating for a time, Arthur became the love of Jean's life, and the feeling was mutually shared between them. They were blessed in marriage on September 1, 1951 in Crown Point, Indiana, and from that point forward she spent the rest of her life making a good home for Arthur and their family as a homemaker. In time they shared the love of children with the births of Debra, Gary, and Dean. Jean devoted her time and love to the family she adored. She was a loving example to her children, and instilled in them a legacy of Christian faith which also lives on in the hearts of her grandchildren. Not only could Jean keep up with three growing children, a social life, and her many involvements, but she was also the consummate bookkeeper. Every bank account had to be balanced to the penny. Coupled with her husbands occupation as an accountant, it was almost a given that it played an important role as each of their children went on to become certified public accountants. Jean's love for animals was sure to include a family pet or two over the years. Her most treasured times were spent enjoying family and friends, especially when it included a night of dining out. Many great times were enjoyed as a family taking a scenic drive or boat trip. Jean particularly loved all that nature had to offer, and was most certain to revel in a picturesque sunset. She had a talent for gardening, and loved getting her hands dirty in the soil, only to reap the rewards of her labor with a beautiful garden. Bird watching and the wildlife around their home also provided Jean with an appreciation for all God had given her. She loved to read, especially books authored by Gilbert Morris, and she read nearly each of his novels. Quite active with her bible study group from church, Jean was involved in several bridge clubs throughout the years, as well. After moving to Michigan, she thoroughly enjoyed attending productions at the Midland Performing Arts Center. Jean and Arthur were longtime members of the Meadowbrook Country Club while in Racine where they often met up with friends for dinner and a night of dancing which Jean so enjoyed. With her love of dancing, and having played the accordion, it was no wonder why Jean always looked forward to watching Lawrence Welk on television. She and Art also liked watching golf on TV, along with their favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. Over the years, Jean and Art traveled extensively, but her favorite trip by far was their cruise to Hawaii. They also enjoyed time spent on Mackinac Island. After Art's retirement, they spent several winters in Sun City West, Arizona. Sadly, her beloved Art passed away in 2007, and life without him was never quite the same for Jean. However, she found the love and support she needed from her family and friends. As always, she relied on her faith to see her through. With utmost conviction and while pointing to the heavens, Jean's outlook on life was simply stated, "The Lord will take care of it" . . . and by living those words, He saw her through. With wisdom often attained in the latter years of life, Jean knew the importance of relying on her Lord. She encouraged those around her to pause and enjoy life, and how important it was to leave the constant grind of work behind once in a while. At the age of 89, Jean Ertel, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and formerly of Racine, Wisconsin, entered into the presence of her Lord on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at McClaren Central Michigan Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Jean was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who left the legacy of Christian children and grandchildren. She is survived by her three children, Debra (Tim) McGilsky of Mt. Pleasant, Gary (Judith) Ertel of Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Dean (Janet) Ertel of Knoxville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Katharine McGilsky, James (Lauren) Ertel, Emily Ertel, Matthew and Kevin Ertel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur on December 6, 2007. Funeral services for Jean will be held Friday, October 12, 2012, 11:00 AM at the Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home with Pastor Chad Brown of Cornerstone Church officiating. Jean's family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-8 PM and on Friday, one hour prior to the service. A cemetery service will also be held at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine, Wisconsin on Monday, October 15, 2012, 1:00 PM in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Church of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To send a condolence to the family, share a favorite memory, photo, and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.