Richard E Ertenberg

RICHARD ERTENBERG

WINTER HAVEN - Richard Ertenberg, 73, passed from this life on 11-6-17, to enter eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ. Rick's ever- loving kindness and sweet spirit prevailed as his body became crippled with Parkinson's disease and the effects of Lewy - Body Dementia.

Rick was born on 8-27-44 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At 17 he joined the Marines and proudly fought in the Vietnam War. His active service resulted in a disability of severe hearing loss in both ears; he learned to read lips and developed an endearing patience on his Quest through this life. He graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Philosophy and also earned a certificate to teach.

In the early 1990s, Rick took his building skills and his joy for teaching students, to Theater Winter Haven, where he met his current wife of 25 years - Lady Ann Lofton Ertenberg. What followed was their own 'fairy tale' as 20 years flashed past like a dream while they co-created their own 'mini castle' to live in... It was truly fit for an 'Earl and a Lady!' Rick's desire to create and build continued to fuel his thoughts and dreams until the day he died.

Rick was preceded in death by his father and mother, Earl and Clara Ertenberg and his son, Randy Ertenberg. He is survived by his current wife, Lady Ann Lofton Ertenberg, and his in-laws, Herman and Margaret Lofton. His twin sister, Sue Fredenberg (Tom), his older brother Larry Ertenberg (Jan), and younger brother Jerry Ertenberg (June). He is survived by two daughters, Samantha and Anna Ertenberg, and one grandchild. Rick has many, many nieces & nephews, who also have a great many children of their own.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Dec. 1st at 6:00 P.M. at Faith Baptist Church, 2140 Crystal Beach Rd., Winter Haven, FL 33880.