The funeral mass for Jerome “Jerry” Ertelt, 71, Valley City, ND will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 29, 2018 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Oriska.  Burial with military honors will be in the St. Bernard Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Thursday beginning at 5:00 PM in the church.  A prayer service will be held there beginning at 6:30. Jerry died at his home on Sunday, June 24, 2018 while being cared for by his family with the help of CHI Hospice.

Jerome Paul Ertelt was born in Fargo, ND on March 10, 1947 to John and Margaret (Schulz) Ertelt.  He grew up on the farm NW of Valley City, ND and attended Noltimeier Consolidated School.  He was a graduate of St. Catherine’s Catholic School in Valley City and went on to graduate from Valley City State University.  With the teaching degree he earned, Jerry taught at area schools for a time.  He served in the ND National Guard.  Jerry farmed with his Dad and helped out the neighboring farmers as well.

On August 30, 1974 he married Joan Kading at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fargo, ND.  Together they moved to Fargo and managed apartment buildings.  Eventually, they moved back to Valley City and Jerry began his painting business, Ertelt Painting.  One of his area of expertise was painting small churches in the area. He painted until his health forced him to retire.

He was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Oriska, where he was baptized and confirmed.  Jerry was a past Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias.  He was a long-time member of the ND Republican Party. One of the things he was most proud was being the president and founder of the ND Recyclers Association.  In his spare time, he liked to garden, read, tinker around the farm and watch sports.  Even though he didn’t continue teaching as a profession, he still loved to teach and share his knowledge.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Justin (Kristie) Ertelt of Fargo; grandchildren, Kylie, Josiah, and Lucy; brothers, John (Susan) of Valley City, Steven of Visaila, CA, and Mark of Valley City; sister, Chery (Ralph) Chase of Valley City;  and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  and brother, Thomas.

Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City, ND is assisting Jerry’s family with arrangements.  An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com