Tom Ertel, Formerly of Maple Lake

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Albert Ertel,  loving husband, father, and grandfather, on September 25th, 2020 at the age of 85. He was born January 6th, 1935 in Aurora, IL to Charles and Mary Alvina (Westrup) Ertel. He graduated from Marmion Academy in 1953 and went on to Pharmacy school at the University of Illinois. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Kamm on April 25th, 1959. Tom worked as a pharmacist at Grimm’s Drug Store in Aurora until moving to Maple Lake, MN, continuing the family tradition and taking over Ertel’s Pharmacy from his uncle,  Harold Ertel. He and Carol owned and operated Ertel’s Pharmacy until 1995. Tom was mayor of Maple Lake during the 1970’s and belonged to many community organizations such as the Lions Club, American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.  He was a member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake. He loved spending time with family and friends as well as traveling and reading. Some of his most cherished memories were of time spent with family and friends at the cabin on Sugar Lake.
    He is survived by his three children Kathy (Jeff) Baumann of Lake Park, FL, Mike Ertel of St. Cloud, MN, Mary (Gary) Farniok of Buffalo, MN and his three grandchildren: Kate Baumann, Jack Baumann and Joseph Farniok. He is also survived by his sister Mary Dunn of Milwaukee, WI, brothers in-law Bob (Nancy) Kamm of Homosassa, FL and Tom Kamm of Fort Worth, TX as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Carol, his brother John Ertel and his wife Edna Bell as well as brothers and sisters in-law William Dunn, Jim Kamm and Janis Kamm.
    Our Dad was a constant source of encouragement, wisdom and advice to those who were lucky enough to know him intimately.  We will miss his infectious laughter and enthusiasm for life, but are comforted by the image of him reuniting with our mom over a slow dance to Eydie Gormé.
    A memorial mass will be planned in Maple Lake this coming summer. The time and location will be announced at a later date.