Simon Etterman Obituary

Simon "Pete" Etterman, 81, of Spicer, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 26, 2023, after a 2 ½ year battle with lung cancer.

His visitation will be 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 4, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar with a meal served during the visitation. Memorials are preferred to the Willmar Cancer Center.

Simon Peter Etterman was born April 7, 1942, in Newton, Kansas, the youngest of twelve children born to Adolph and Annie (Penner) Etterman. Pete was drafted in the US Army and served from 1964-1966. He was stationed in Korea on the 38th parallel. On March 21, 1970, he married Delores Portner and two sons, Peter and Eric, were born to their marriage.

Throughout his early working life, Pete held various jobs, including picking cotton in Texas, working at a furniture factory in Kansas, at a potato farm in North Dakota, picking pecans in Oklahoma, and as a carnival worker in Fargo. Later, he pursued a career in sales, working for companies such as Kirby Vacuum, Mason Shoes, and American Quality Fastener. He eventually became a territory manager for Kar Products in Chicago.

In 1980, Pete and Delores founded Etterman Enterprises, starting from their garage, and later relocating to their present location in 1987. Pete was a natural peddler and was always looking for the right deal. He was extremely proud of his two sons that followed in his footsteps in the family business.

Pete had a passion for music and played various instruments, including the guitar, banjo, ukulele, and piano. He also enjoyed spending winters in Port Isabel, Texas, going on pontoon rides around Green Lake, and taking motorcycle rides on his Harley, which he named Rolling Thunder. He cherished his grandchildren and was a dedicated presence at all their events.

Pete is survived by his wife: Delores Etterman of Spicer, MN; son: Peter (Andrea) Etterman and their children, Samuel and Grace, of Willmar, MN; and son: Eric (Emily) Etterman and their children, Max and Abigail, of Willmar, MN. He Is also survived by his brothers: Paul (Marie) Etterman of Fargo, ND, and James (Karen) Etterman of Port Isabel, TX; a sister: Ann Bergley of St. Louis, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Adolph and Annie Etterman; five brothers: Arthur, David, Herbert, Edwin, and Richard Etterman; and three sisters: Gertrude Wellman, Phebe Ratzlaff, and Ruth Steen.