George Michael Etl Jr. passed away on May 15, 2024, at his home in Mansfield, SD due to esophageal cancer complications. He was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren during his final days.
George was born in Sisseton, SD, on October 20th, 1950, to George Etl Sr. and Gladys (Ellenbecker) Etl. The family lived on a farm outside of Eden. George was baptized and confirmed in Eden. He attended country school until the 5th grade, then Sacred Heart Catholic School until the 8th grade, and finished his schooling at Roslyn High School. In 1970, he met his wife, Donna, in Grenville, and they were married in 1972. After living in several small towns they moved to Mansfield, where they raised their four children. In 1998, they settled on a hobby farm east of Mansfield.
While living in Mansfield, George worked for Lerew Construction, South Dakota Wheat Growers (Agtegra), and DNA Genetics. He retired in 2015 after 20 years of service at SDWG. After retiring, George spent most of his time camping, fishing, listening to country music, tinkering around on the family farm trying to complete his many projects, and spending time with his family and friends.
George, an avid musician, was a talented vocalist and guitarist who led a band called “CODA.” He performed at various venues, including street dances, wedding receptions, churches, and local and out-of-state establishments. His love for music influenced the lives of his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. George also had recorded himself singing his favorite songs on a few CDs so that others could enjoy his music.
George is survived by his wife Donna of 51 years. He is also survived by his children Jolene (Etl) & Greg Ashalintubbi of Mansfield, their children Jordan, Brandon, and Tyler, Trevis Etl and Sammy Snyder of Northville, Chris Etl of Aberdeen, Kelsey (Etl) and Jerimiah Heintzman, their children Stevie and Parker, all of Aberdeen, SD, siblings Georgia (Etl) Streier and Gayle (Etl) and Jim Pearson, siblings-in-law Clarice (Block) and Roger George, Bonnie (Block) Olson, and Jerry, Sr. and Marie Block, and many nieces and nephews.
George was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother and father George Sr. and Gladys Etl, siblings Gene Etl and Gerry (Etl) and Joe Lehman, parents-in-law Victor Block, Sr and Clara (Sichmiller) Block, siblings-in-law Bernie Block, Elvis Block, Victor Block, Jr., and Betty Block and Carol (Anderson) Block, Joe Henry Streier, and four nephews.
To celebrate George’s life and wonderful sense of humor, outgoing personality, and generous nature, a memorial service will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home in Aberdeen, SD. George’s nephew David Pearson will be officiating. The Etl family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported George during his illness. If you wish to send personal condolences, please address them to 38442 148th Street, Mansfield, SD 57460.
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