Ethmer Wright, 1926-2014

Published 10:04 am Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Funeral services for Ethmer E. Wright, of Albert Lea will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Curtis Zieske will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea veterans organizations. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour before the service at the church.

Ethmer Wright

Ethmer died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

He was born at home, 427 Commercial, to Arthur and Audrey (Osteen) Wright on Aug. 6, 1926. Dr. Will Gamble delivered Ethmer; times were tough and his dad gave Dr. Gamble a 22 Colt Woodsman pistol instead of cash for the doctor’s fee.

He grew up hunting, hunting, hunting, thoroughly enjoying the time spent with his dad.  Later in life he enjoyed hunting deer with his sons and grandsons. Ethmer attended Albert Lea schools.

He was drafted into the Navy in 1944, memorized the eye chart so he could get into the Navy, but he had to pass a second test at Fort Snelling and failed, so was given an honorable discharge. Drafted into the Army on April 12, 1945, Ethmer served as staff sergeant in the combat engineers. He received his honorable discharge from the United States Army in December of 1946.

He married LaVonne Hatleli and two daughters were born to this union, Constance and Tamera. Their marriage ended in divorce.

He married Marlene Larson on Feb. 27, 1954, at the Little Brown Church. He was so happy and proud to celebrate 60 years of marriage this year.

He worked at Enderes Tool Co. for 61 years in shipping and as plant manager, and finally working part-time in production control. Ethmer was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, VFW and the American Legion where he proudly served as post commander in 1995 and 1996. He made beautiful custom hunting knives, enjoyed making them and was very proud of how they turned out. He made small wooden items for his family, lap desks, blanket stands, Christmas trees, flags and other items. He had an extensive collection of American Indian artifacts, which he discovered locally. He passed his passion for artifact discovery onto his family.

Ethmer and Marlene enjoyed snowmobiling and camping and, in general, they loved the outdoors.

After retirement he had coffee with friends and loved having breakfast at the American Legion. He was most proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ethmer was a great boss, had a very kind and forgiving heart and illustrated the true art of understanding. Ethmer was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. His family will miss him greatly, but rejoice in all the good memories they have.

His family includes wife, Marlene, of Albert Lea; children Teresa (Vince) Bergdale of Albert Lea, Lon (Deb) Wright of Glenville, Debbie (Larry) Morgan of Hartland and Todd Wright of Fernley, Nev.; grandchildren Brandy (Chad) Christensen and children Jacob, Tyson and Allie of Red Wing, Nathan (Sara) Redman and children Cassidy and Lydia of LeRoy, Jillian (Eddie) Wessel of Duluth, Jessie Wright of Emmons, Molly (Doug) Simon and children Isaac, Emelia and Michael of Marshall, Arthur (Erica) Wright and children Myla and Everly of Albert Lea, Luke Wright of Glenville, Kyle Steele of Albert Lea, Becky Morgan and daughter, Olivia, of Albert Lea, Sarah Morgan of Owatonna and Sam Wright and Emily Wright, both of Fernley; sisters Patricia (Lee) Peterson of Hastings and Geraldine (Bill) Schlueter of Waterville; sisters-in-law Darlene Tue of Albert Lea, Audrey Leonhardi and Helen Larson of Emmons; brother-in-law, Robert Schaefer, of Grandview, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Schaefer; parents-in-law Jimmie and Mabel Larson; brothers-in-law Orlan Larson, Junor Larson, Roger Tue and Charles Leonhardi; and nephew, Gary Tue.

Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion Post No. 56 or any charity of your choosing.