IRON MOUNTAIN - Herbert W. Etten, 90, of Iron Mountain, Mich., died Saturday, June 2, 2012, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. He was born on April 16, 1922, the son of the late Paul and Theresa (Leick) Etten.
Herbert served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his discharge from the Army, he reenlisted with the U.S. Air Force and worked as a recruiter, in Appleton, Wis., and Marquette. Herb was a "military man" and served his country for 30 years. After his retirement he worked for the Michigan Employment Security Commission in Gladstone.
Herb was a professional musician and began playing the accordion in polka bands at the age of 13, retiring in 1990. Herb was the most proud of the fact the he played the accordion solo on the regional hit "We Go Green Bay," which his son Bill wrote and produced.
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Herbert W. Etten
He was a member of the American Legion, the DAV, the Air Force Military Sergeant's Association, and the Elks. Herb was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. While residing at the VAMC, he enjoyed playing bingo and talking to others while riding on his scooter.
He married Hazel I. "Rose" Scheller on June 28, 1947, in Kaukauna, Wis. The couple enjoyed spending their winters in the south. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2012.
Herb is survived by three children, William (Carol) Etten of Negaunee, Daniel Etten of Big Bay, Mich., and Janice (Jerry) Koch of Kewaskum; five grandchildren, Nick Etten of the Philippines, Heather Koch of Fond du Lac, Wis., Danielle (Steve) Etten Collick of Petoskey, Mich., Karen Koch McElhatton of Hartford, Wis., and Joseph (Jami) Koch of Hartford, Wis.; six great-grandchildren, Olivia McElhatton, Jordan Koch, Elliot Etten, Emma Collick, Lauren Koch, and Carter Koch; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Norbert Etten, and one sister, Agnes Muehlmann.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Robert Mueller will officiate. Burial will be with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to the caring staff of the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.
Condolences to the family of Herbert W. Etten may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.