John Erthal

John D. Erthal, 73, died at 5:22 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, with family by his side, after a short illness. Born October 24, 1938 in Alton, he was the son of Albert and Ruth (Heiens) Erthal. He served in the U.S. Army for three years in France as an M.P. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and was a member of the Alton-Wood River Sportsman’s Club and the Eagle’s Club. He was also a longtime member of the St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. After 35 years of service, he retired as a Journeyman Machinist from Owens Illinois Machine Manufacturing in Godfrey. On April 1, 1967 in Alton, he married Margaret Dalhaus. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Julie Gorsage and her husband David of Godfrey, and a son, Andy Erthal and his wife Stephanie of Wildwood, MO, four grandchildren, Anne and Charlie Erthal, and Abbie Ruth and Max Gorsage, two brothers, Don Erthal (JoAnn) of Godfrey, and Randy Erthal (Mitzi) of Godfrey, a brother-in-law, Byron Dalhaus (Judy) of Tampa, FL, and a sister-in-law, Libby Newton (Jeff) of Bethalto. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2012 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Father Steve Pohlman will officiate. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to the Jr. Trap League at Alton-Wood River Sportsman’s Club, St. Ambrose School Endowment Fund, or Masses. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com