Eugene Francis Ertmer, age 81, of Omro, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 10, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 1, 1931 in Elizabeth, Illinois to the late George and Anna (Becker) Ertmer.
Gene served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On September 1, 1956, he married Constance Lee Rife in Elizabeth, Illinois. After returning home from the service, Gene worked as a mechanic, was a rural mail carrier, and had a business painting barns, roofs, and houses. While part-time farming raising hogs and cattle, he also worked as a bulk delivery driver for Standard Oil Company. In 1973, Gene and Connie and their family moved to Omro and operated a dairy farm until 1985, at which time they sold the dairy cows. Gene then went to work for the county highway department, and he also was a bridge tender in Oshkosh.
He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Winneconne, where he served as an usher for many years. For 60 years, Gene was an American Legion member, serving as post commander many times, and two terms as the county commander. He also was a volunteer fireman for departments in Elizabeth, Illinois, and Winneconne/Poygan. Gene enjoyed hunting, trapping, model railroading, and woodworking. He will be remembered for all of the handmade furniture made for his family.
Gene is survived by his wife of 56 years, Connie Ertmer; his children, Randy (Debbie) Ertmer, Kathy Ertmer (Roy Magnuson), Terry (PJ) Ertmer, Brian Ertmer (Anna Queram), Sue (Mark) Mitchell, and Phil (Gretchen) Ertmer; sixteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four brothers, Robert (Carlene), Delbert (Rose), Alvin (Jean), and Marion (Jennifer) Ertmer; a sister-in-law, Pat Ertmer; and many other relatives and friends.
Along with his parents, Gene was also preceded in death by one brother, Ray.
A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Dr., Winneconne, with Fr. Luke Ferris and Sr. Pam Biehl officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in the St. Thomas Cemetery, town of Poygan. A visitation for family and friends will be on Monday (TODAY), November 12 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main St. Winneconne, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.
Please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com

Mueller Funeral Home
Winneconne
(920) 582-4242