Douglas James Ertel

Ertel, Doug; Taking my heart with him, Douglas James Ertel, passed away July 18, 2017, in his 70th year, at home surrounded by family. He was the best friend and much adored husband of Regina (Gebauer) Ertel for 47 years. Ever loved father to Robbie (Tammy) and Randy (Cory) and his adoring dogs, Winnie and Chewie. Treasured Poppi to Kai & Damien. Loving brother to Ruth Arsenault and Joyce (Bill) Lichty. Loved by his brother-in-law Peter (Linda) Gebauer. Loving uncle to Trevor, Stacy, Tracy, Jason, Todd and Sean. Predeceased by his parents Anne & Lloyd, and his mother and father-in-law Friedel and Artur Gebauer and brother-in-law Ray. Doug could build and create anything, enjoying his backyard in the summer, but his big passion was Standardbred racing. He was a horse owner and trainer for over 35 years, frequenting numerous tracks in southern Ontario and New York State. The last few years, he loved going scrapping. He was always the life of a party, and will be forever and sorely missed by his many friends. Doug's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, July 21, 2017 from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. in the chapel of the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Cremation has taken place. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the The Terry Fox Foundation or the MS Society would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com for Douglas's memorial.