Donald J. Ertl

January 20, 1952 – February 15, 2022

Donald J. Ertl, age 70, of Apache Junction, AZ, passed away February 15, 2022.  Don was born on January 20, 1952 to Michael and Olive (Olivia) Ertl in Marshfield, WI and moved to Arizona as a young teenager.  He was active in sports, playing both basketball and baseball in high school, and he continued on to play fast pitch for many years.

Don had a passion for working with his hands as an accomplished and talented builder of many sorts.  He made a career building swimming pools for nearly 40 years in the Valley and constructed his own beautiful homes from the ground up.  As much as he loved to build, Don’s true passion was caring for his family and hunting.  He greatly enjoyed meeting others that connected to nature and hunting as much as him and was keen on striking up a conversation about it, wherever he went.  Don enjoyed polka dancing and listening to classic country music.  He could name a song after hearing just the first 3 notes!

Don was a devoted husband and father in the deepest sense.  Some thought him shy at times, because he was a quiet man, but once you got to know him, you realized he didn’t miss a thing.  Don was an old fashioned gentleman and a good, true friend to many.  He leaves behind a crater the size of the Grand Canyon in our hearts.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maria Lamay, son Corey (Hannah) of Dolores, CO and daughter Cassie (Jason) of San Tan Valley, AZ.  Also 3 sisters, Lucille Salzman of Milpitas, CA; Shirley Brandner of Mesa, AZ and Sue Imperial of Goodyear, AZ; step-sons Michael Bouck and David Bouck (Stephanie); 3 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren.

Services to be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 23rd at St. George Catholic Church, 300 E 16th Ave, Apache Junction with internment immediately following at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E Main St, Mesa.