Paula was one of the kindest souls I have ever had the pleasure to know. She made the world shine a little brighter. My condolences to Rod and Tobye and love for all the family. She will be greatly missed.

Ms. Paula and I worked at the Univeristy together - she taught me so much!  Rod would call and give me grief almost every day!  Paula and Rod are so proud of Tobye - she would tell me what Tobye was doing and you could just see the love and pride in her eyes!  

I am so sorry I was unable to make it to the services.  Unfortunately, some family issues arose.

Please know that you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers!

God has a special angel now!  Thank you for all you gave to me Ms. Paula!

With Love, 
Kyle Christine Brabec

Rich and I have fond memories of Paula cheering on the DU Hockey team.  She had a favorite player each season, who she would chew out when she thought he messed up!  She was a very avid fan.  Paula and I also spent a lot of years together singing in the choir at Lutheran Church of the Holy Sprit.  Thank you so much Tobye for letting me know about your Mom's passing.  Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your dad.

Paula was a life-long wonderful friend. We were playmates and classmates throughout our years growing up in Ledyard.  My memories are many -- I will hold on to those wonderful memories and find comfort in knowing her friendship was a special part of my life.  We did not see each other often later in our lives, but I always knew she was there.  As I write this, I am looking at the picture of her and Rod she had sent me that is pinned on my bulletin board - she always had that warm smile.

Rod and Tobye, you are in my thoughts and prayers every step of the way.  "Our loved ones leave the world but never our hearts"

Paula is in God's hands now.  We love you Paula.  Until we meet again,

Having known Paula since Sept. 1960, a lot of memories come to mind.  Our road trips on vacation to Colorado.  During our business college years and working at the hosptial in Mankato we had monthly trips to Ledyard to visit Paul and Lillian and the Wentworths.  She was instrumental in introducing me to my husband.  Moving to Denver in 1965 we saw each other rarely but always kept in touch.  Prayed continually for her through her years of health struggles.   Rod, may you and Tobye find comfort in the fact that she is no longer in pain or suffering.  She is safe in the arms of her Lord and Savior who had her manion ready when she arrived in heaven.  She will be there to meet the rest of us when our day comes to leave this earth.

You're thought about with sympathy,understanding,and friendship.

My condolences to Tobye and her family.  May you take comfort in knowing that she is at peace.  Tara Harris

I first met Paula when she was Tobye's Mom and my first memories are how she was always welcoming with a warm smile for sleepovers and visits.  Through the middle school and high school years, she was always a patient presence for scary movies (It), explaining hockey (I don't think I will ever really truly understand hat tricks), and out silly antics (supermarket CONGA!!).  Paula was just a part of everything in such a strong way and so efficiently it made me proud to know her. Retired from a career and Health Sciences. Sang beautifully in the church choir for 3 pastors. Stanch supporters of DU hockey (was that really you yelling?).  Great conversations after games at IHOP. Raising a wonderful daughter to be a strong, moral woman (and a friend I couldn't be prouder to have). And all with grace. 
I moved and didn't get to be as much of a part of their lives any more, though I tried to visit when possible. No matter the time span I knew I would be welcomed. The last time I got to see her, I was able to show off my Baby. And even though I know she tires, she greeted her with the same warm smile I've always known and loved. They played â€œjump ropeâ€ together with the beautiful green oxygen tubing that has been as much a part of her in recent years as glasses. The picture still makes me smile.
No one will ever replace her and everything she has accomplished. I miss Tobye's Mom- Paula.

Prayers, blessings, and sympathy to Rod and family. She will always be remembered as a loving and giving friend.

OBITUARY

Paula K. Ertelt

November 1, 1942 – September 26, 2011

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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