William E. ‘Bill’ Ertel, age 75, of Quincy, died on August 9, 2026 in Blessing Hospital. He was born on January 27, 1951 in Quincy, Illinois the son of Elbridge and Eunice (Zuspann) Ertel. He married Mary ‘Mitzi’ Veach on October 3, 1981. She preceded him in death on August 20, 2018.

Bill graduated from Unity High School, attended Spoon River Community College and Western Illinois University. He married his best friend, Mary Michele ‘Mitzi’ Veach on October 3, 1981, in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Golden, Illinois. Bill was a farmer in the area and was a truck driver for many years. He was a gardener, raised livestock, and loved sports. Bill played baseball and fast pitch softball early in life, lending him the nickname ‘Lefty’, because he hit and threw left-handed. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. Bill was a great admirer of muscle cars. He owned a 1973 canary yellow Chevy Camaro, the first car he ever owned. Bill also had a deep passion for motorcycles, owning a Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce. Bill devoted his life to providing for his family. He was respected as a hard worker, devout husband, loyal father, and an upstanding member of the community. Bill had a great love for animals, having many pets over the years. Bill was a Christian, and a member of the Paloma Methodist Church. As a father, he coached his children’s sports teams and as a grandfather, continued to enjoy following his grandchildren’s activities. Through his years as a farmer, truck driver, and compassionate father, Bill had many friends.

Bill is survived by:
CHILDREN: Mitch Ertel and his wife Lindsay, Alex Ertel and Lucy Ertel all of Quincy.
GRANDCHILDREN: Madison, Will and Jackson Ertel.
SISTER: Jeanie Estes (Clay)
MOTHER-IN-LAW: Leatrice Veach
Nieces, nephews and other relatives survive.

In addition to his wife, Bill was also preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 11:00 Am in the Golden Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Golden, IL. Memorials may be made to Quincy Humane Society or the American Diabetes Association. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.