Wilma C. (Abeel) Ertel

Wilma C. Ertel, of Waterloo, and formerly of Seneca Falls, passed away on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 at Geneva General Hospital. She had celebrated her 93rd birthday this past May. Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, July 12th from 4 - 7 PM at Doran Funeral Home, 4 East Bayard St., Seneca Falls. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 13th at 11 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Springbrook Cemetery. For those wishing, donations in memory may be made to Beverly Animal Shelter, 50 E. River St., Waterloo, NY 13165 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.

Wilma was born in Atlanta, NY, the daughter of the late William and Leona (Snyder) Abeel. In 1946 she married George Merkle and the couple shared in 15 years of marriage until George's passing in 1961. In 1967 she married Albert Ertel, who also passed, in 1993. Over the years, she worked for many different restaurants in the area as a cook. Some of the standout restaurants include Connie's Diner in Waterloo, as well as Finger Lakes Bowl and Kilmer's Diner in Seneca Falls.

Wilma had a zest for life and was known to let you know what was on her mind. She had a strong passion for the New York Yankees, playing Bingo, frequenting the local casinos, and decorating her house; especially when it came to Christmas decorating. She was blessed with a big extended family and loved getting together to spend time with them.

She is survived by her children, George (Betty) Merkle, Joan (Ed) Hamelinck, and William (Antionette) Ertel; 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, several cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family, as well as her dear friends and neighbors at the East Main St. Apartments in Waterloo. In addition to her 2 husbands, she was predeceased by 2 sons, Ronald and Daniel Merkle, and her 12 siblings.