AMHERST, MA: Kenneth Arthur Ertel, Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, beloved father and friend, passed away on December 4, 2023. He was three weeks shy of his 95th birthday.

Ken lived a passionate, principled life of constant curiosity. He intersected with artists, academics, outdoorsmen, and politicians – all on equal ground with equal vigor and joy. Ken lived each “slice of life” to the fullest.

Born in 1928 at the onset of the Great Depression in Mikana, WI, Ken spent his early years working on a dairy farm, hunting, and fishing to help support his large family.

His family moved to Milwaukee where he completed high school and excelled at track and field. He enlisted in the Army near the end of WWII and served as support staff to the commanding General of U.S. Army forces in Japan.

Upon returning to the States he entered college at the University of Minnesota on the GI bill. In summers, he worked in the West manning fire towers. During this time he completed his bachelor’s degree, married Madge Olson of Alpha MN, and started a  family.  He began his career in vocational education in Washington state and Idaho.  While there he completed his PhD in education, did consulting work, and edited a professional journal sponsored by the Ford Foundation.

He loved Idaho for the wilderness, hunting, and fishing. He was active in political circles supporting local campaigns, Senator Frank Church, and organized anti-war colloquia. This interest in our nation’s democracy and politics was lifelong.

In 1971, Ken led his family eastward to realize promising opportunities at the University of Massachusetts. While at UMass he received numerous Federal grants for research and influenced the careers of many graduate students over the years. He was also appointed to the Advisory Boards for the new Holyoke Vocational School and Minuteman Vocational School in Lexington. He remained involved and principled during this tumultuous time at UMass. 

While dedicated to his career, he was also proud of being involved and supportive of his wife’s career and his children’s many interests. His support extended beyond his family, as he cultivated an open and welcoming home in Leverett for all. 

On retirement in 1990, he found great satisfaction in several pursuits including being a master wood turner, president of the MA Woodturners Association, and training hounds to track and tag black bears in Western MA. He was instrumental in the design and building of his son’s house in Vermont. Late in life, he studied watercolor and became an accomplished artist. He was an enthusiastic fisherman and hunter, taking trips with good friends to Upper Michigan, Bahamas, Montana, and Maine. He attributed his good health in part to his dedicated practice of Tai Chi.

His wife Madge passed on in 2007. He is survived by his dedicated companion Betty Brace, his children Beth Hall (Loren), David Ertel (Linda), Ellen Hilton (Tom), and Janet Ertel (Steve Reagan), five granddaughters, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who all loved him very much.

Ken’s family would like to express deep gratitude to the healthcare professionals who supported him. In keeping with Ken’s wishes, there will be no formal service, but we invite you all to raise a glass, crack a joke, and tell a story in his honor.

Memorial Guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com