What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope
Anna Theresia (Kercel) Etl entered eternal life on May 4, 2023 at the age of 87.
She was born on May 20, 1935 in Ivankovo, Yugoslavia to Josef and Eva (Hahn) Kercel, the oldest of four children. She grew up in Yugoslavia until rising political tension forced her family to flee Europe. They spent several years in Austria as refugees before the family of Ted Wernsman sponsored her family's relocation to Fleming through St. Peter's Catholic Church. She was just 16 years old when she arrived in America. She began working as a nurse's assistant at the Sisters of St. Benedict's Hospital on South Sixth Avenue in Sterling.
There she was introduced to Carl Paul Etl. They would be married one year later on May 7, 1953. Carl and Ann had three children, Sylvia Elaine, James Daniel and Carl David. They lived on the family farm east of St. Peters, and in 1972, they opened Fleming Auto Sales, a place that was Ann's pride and joy. She enjoyed many interactions through social and business activities and developed deep and lasting relationships. They eventually retired and moved to Sterling while their sons took over the farming.
Ann and Carl enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and spent many winters in Bullhead City, Ariz. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading books, traveling and yard sales. Ann will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and her infectious personality.
Ann and Carl were members of the St. Peter's Catholic Church. They also attended St. Anthony's Church in Sterling and St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Bullhead City.
She is survived by her sons Jim and wife Shelly Etl, Sterling, and Dave and wife Tricia Etl, Fleming; grandchildren Daniel Vandenbark-Woodward, Carla and husband Jerry Bornhoft, Ryan and wife Shayna Etl, Lauryn and husband Brad Lebsock, McCall Etl and Trae Etl; great-grandchildren Torbett Vandenbark-Woodward, Will and Ashley Bornhoft, Reece, Jordan and Charlee Etl and Ava and Vienna Lebsock; sisters-in-laws Virginia Etl, Jody Etl and Rita Etl; brother-in-law Jerry Lambert and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ann is preceded in death by her husband Carl; daughter Sylvia; parents, sister Rosie and her brothers Joe and Mike. She is also preceded in death by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Memorials may be made in Ann's name to Cooperating Ministry of Logan County, care of Tennant Funeral Home P.O. Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 12 at St. Peter's Catholic Church south of Fleming with Father Jerry Rohr celebrating. Inurnment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.
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