Avalee Jean Ertl

Avalee Jean Ertl, 85, of Illiopolis, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Illinois.

 Avalee was born on May 24, 1938, in New Salem, IL, the daughter of George and Viola (McKinney) Dunham. She married Paul P. Ertl on May 24, 1958, and he preceded her in death on May 26, 2006.

She was a member of the Illiogals, as well as being a member at Resurrection Parish Altar Society, YMCA Swim Club, and played in the Kitchen Band as well as being a Den Mother. Avalee loved crafting and made several wedding flowers for various couples. She enjoyed making costumes for which she often won Best of Show, and she also enjoyed singing. Anyone who knew Avalee also knew she enjoyed playing card and board games, especially Scrabble. Avalee was known as being a devoted caregiver of the family and took care of her husband and many other family members.

Avalee is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and eight siblings, Iona, Bernadine, Joyce, Marcella, Gerald, Delbert, James, and Donald “Runt”. She is survived by one brother, Victor Dunham and one sister, Frances Georges. She is survived by her two sons, Steve (Veronica) Ertl and Thomas (Bridgett) Ertl; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Austin) Foquet, Jordyn Rowan, and Madilyn Rowan; one great granddaughter, Hazel Rowan, and one on the way, due in March.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM, at Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home, 432 7th Street in Illiopolis.

A Catholic Mass will be held at Resurrection Parish on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Illiopolis Summer Rec Program.

Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home in Illiopolis is in charge of arrangements.

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