Frederick Ettl

Frederick J. Ettl, age 92, died Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Fred was born March 18, 1920 on a farm near Tolna, ND, the son of Josef and Josephine (Retzlaff) Ettl. At a young age, the family moved to a farm south of Lakota where he attended school, graduating from Lakota High School in 1938. After farming and other ventures he came to Grand Forks in 1949, where he started working for Nabisco Brands as a salesman. Fred was affectionately known as the "cookie man". His territory started out with 44 stores in eastern North Dakota, including Grand Forks, Grafton, the Air Base, and more. When he first started working, store owners were given the choice to stock their own products or pay him six cents per bundle. He won multiple awards for his innovative displays, top sales, and longevity with the company. Fred retired in 1984 and spent much of his time in Hot Springs, Sacramento, and his lake home in Bemidji, MN. He enjoyed visiting with his many customers he had known through the years, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed farming, his job, and helping others. He was a proud supporter of the Nelson County Historical Society at Stump Lake and also established a UND scholarship fund for students from Nelson County.

Fred is survived by his children, Rick Ettl of Grand Forks, ND, Linda Waring of St. Cloud, MN, Paul Ettl (Imelda) of Yakota Air Force Base, Japan, and Christine Ettl (Gary Mlynek) of Southport, NC; and their mother, Lorraine Ettl of Grand Forks, ND.

Fred is also survived by his grandchildren, Mike of Bemidji, MN, Ryan of St. Cloud, MN, Erina of Des Moines, IA, Paul of Japan, and Erika of Valley City, ND.

Fred will be deeply missed by family and many friends, nieces and nephews, and two surviving sisters, Erma Kramer of New York and Josephine Williamson of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his very special sisters and brothers.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Sue Mackey. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Fred Ettl Family Scholarship Fund at the University of North Dakota, the Nelson County Historical Society at Stump Lake, or a charity of your choice.