William Ettling

Dr. William Andrew Ettling passed away Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Feb. 24, 1940, in Witt, Illinois, to William Joseph and Anna Charnisky Ettling. He and Margaret Ann Hadsall were married June 26, 1960, in Witt.

He served honorably in the Illinois National Guard.

William earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from University of Missouri. At heart, he was a teacher, and he enjoyed watching people learn and grow in school and church. He was also interested in mechanics, carpentry, nature and many other subjects. He was employed at Southeast Missouri State University, as a professor of mathematics, retiring after 31 years of teaching.

To cherish his memory, William leaves his wife of nearly 64 years, Margaret Ann Ettling of Jackson; children, Wilma (Ronald) Fluegge of Whitewater, Patty (Ted) Kocot of St. Louis, Rebecca (Jerry) Aufdenberg of Gravel Hill, William Ettling Jr., of Belleville, Illinois, and Joe Ettling of Jackson; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Edward (Deana) Ettling of Witt; and sister, Sharon Wiley of Chatham, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by a grandson; a brother, Charles; and his parents.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, and from 10 a.m. to service time Wednesday, June 5, at Mount Auburn Christian Church in Cape Girardeau.

The Rev. Casey Elmore will conduct the funeral at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, at the church. Interment will follow at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests Missouri State Veterans Home Foundation Recreation Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above William’s obituary article at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.