Larry Lee Ertel Sr.
JULY 18, 1947 – APRIL 30, 2023
Larry Ertel, Sr, a Purple Heart recipient in the Vietnam War, and who later built a successful Indianapolis roofing company, has died.
Ertel, 75, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 30, 2023. He joins his father, John Charles Ertel III and Maryann Ertel in heaven. He is survived by two siblings, John Charles Ertel IV (Joyce) and Sarah Hensley (Tom, deceased). He is also survived by his son, Dr. Larry Ertel (Gina Lang) and his two grandchildren, John Mac Ertel and Chloe Ertel and nieces/nephews: Dr. Sylvia Ertel (Dr. Sunil Gollapudi), Dr. Nathan Ertel (Logan), Chad Ertel, and Mary Hensley.
During the Vietnam War as a member of the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army, soldiers in his unit were forced to eat canned rations (MREs) and endure shortages which forced him and other soldiers to go without food for days. Ertel was wounded multiple times, resulting in the Purple Heart, the highest honor the military can convey. One of the bullets that hit him, he carried in his wrist for more than 50 years, until a surgeon finally removed it recently.
After the war, Ertel returned to his beloved Indiana and started a roofing company with two-fisted determination and an unfailing “daylight-to-darkness” seven-day work week. Despite that work ethic, he refused to miss graduations and family functions, even if he had to drive in the middle of the night to show up before promptly leaving to drive home so he could be at work early the next morning.
Ertel graduated from North Central High School in 1965, attended the Culver Military Academy Summer program, and went to college at Indiana University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business.
Ertel had a strong sense of humor and liked to disarm people he met by telling jokes. It was that sense of humor and a strong work ethic he passed down to his son, Dr. Larry Ertel, Jr. He beamed with pride over his son and always held a special admiration for his son’s mom, Sherry Brumley. He adored his grandchildren, John Mac Ertel and Chloe Ertel, and was a presence in their lives.
He also engendered loyalty. As the proud owner of Ertel Roofing for decades, he worked alongside a great team, including his long-time office manager/right arm, Karen Johnson.
Before his death, Larry was in the midst of restoring his vintage Jaguar convertibles, which upon completion, he planned to give to his family.
Rest assured, Larry, you will be missed but know your legacy lives in all of us in some way – whether it’s a lesson in hard work or your comic relief. Deep Peace xo
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to The Wounded Warriors Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate
Casual attire has been requested by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Ertel family.
SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023
Inurnment with Military Honors
2:30 pm
CROWN HILL FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY
700 W. 38th St.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023
Celebration of Life
3:00 pm
Casual attire requested by family please!
DONATIONS
Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road Suite 300
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
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