Ervin "Doc" J. Sartell Jr., Janesville  (1922 - 2009)

July 26, 1922 - June 28, 2009
Ervin “Doc” J. Sartell Jr., 86, of Janesville, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2009, at his home after a short battle with cancer. He was born on July 26, 1922, son of Ervin J. and Lutie Dee Sartell Sr. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1940, and was proudly called to duty on Oct. 10, 1940, during World War II. Doc was again recalled to active duty on Aug. 6, 1950, to serve his country during the Korean War. He loved his country very much, and was a proud veteran. He often told his family that the military years were the best years of his life, and the rest of us were “bonuses”. After serving his country he remained involved with the 132nd Division, Red Arrow Club, VFW, Old Timers, American Legion, and 40-8. Doc loved his military family and the brothers that served with him. He attended the Commercial Trade Institute and The DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago. There he received his Electronics Degree and started his own business, “Doc Sartell’s T.V. Service,” in 1960. He would later meet the love of his life, Patricia Ann Zirkelbach, and they were married on April 26, 1958, in Racine, WI, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. They spent 51 years together, and during that time they raised two children, Nancy Quasius and Jon Sartell. In Doc’s younger years he enjoyed all that life had to offer. He played football, attended many Badger Football games, and was a Packer Fan. He also enjoyed all the time spent with his buddies volunteering for Patriotic Organizations, especially those who knew him from the Old Timer’s. Doc was a very special grandpa and enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren: Kyle Roach, Stephanie and Sarah Sartell. He attended their many sporting events when he could, and was very proud of them.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Sartell; daughter, Nancy (Mike) Quasius of Appleton; son, Jon Sartell of Waukesha; three grandchildren: Kyle Roach, Stephanie and Sarah Sartell; brother, Don (Judy) Sartell of Janesville; two brothers-in-law, Lawrence (Elaine) Zirkelbach and David (Barb) Zirkelbach, both of Racine; three sisters-in-law: Audrey (Tony) Maritato of DePere, Nancy Zirkelbach of Racine and Linda Gonzales of Racine; many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Henry and Anna Zirkelbach; and aunts and uncles.
A Celebration of Doc’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2009, at SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME, with Rev. Jamie Swanson officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME. Lasting Memorials may be made to Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church. For online condolences and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com
The family would like to thank the many Mercy Hospice nurses for their concern for Doc during his brief illness. A very special thank you to his brother, Don, who stopped by every day, and for the visits from his military family and friends.
Dad, you will forever be in our hearts. We were blessed to have you as a father, the country was blessed to have you as a soldier, and you made the world a better place. Your example will live on through us for many generations. We love you dad; thanks for always being there for us.