Russell E. Urtel

Obituary of Russell E. Urtel Russell E. Urtel, age 89, of the Town of Cambria, entered into rest on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston. Born May 21, 1922 in Wilson, Russ was the son of the late Edward L. and Mabel I. (Rohring) Urtel. He married Dorothy (Flagler) Urtel June 20, 1942 at Exley United Methodist Church of Wilson. Dorothy died December 1, 1993. A WWII veteran, Russ served from 1943 until 1945. He was in the European Theatre of operation in the 113th Mechanized Cavalry and as a truck driver on the Red Ball Express for the 3888 Quartermaster Truck Company. While in the service he traveled to 11 different countries. He had worked at General Motors Chevrolet Plant in Tonawanda as a Quality Analyst and Inspection Supervisor, retiring in 1987 after 47 years. Russ enjoyed spending time with his family and working on his farm. Russ was a member of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of North Ridge, past member of the Wilson VFW and past member of the American Legion. He also was a member of the Chevrolet Retiree Club. Russ enjoyed going to the Newfane Golden Agers and deer hunting. He had lived in Cambria the past 67 years, previously of Wilson. Russ is survived by his children: William R. (Shirley) Urtel of Lockport, Rosemary (Michael) Bohlman of Ripley, Thomas E. Urtel of Florida, Barbara (Lance) Cronshaw of Newfane, Sharon (Sean) Healy of Wilson and the late Robert J. Urtel. Brother of: Harold “Dolly” Urtel of Middleport, Helen Bye of Newfane, Elton “Bob” (Phyllis) Urtel of North Tonawanda, Hazel (Robert) Walker of Olcott and the late Delilah Grzybowski and Lawrence Urtel. Eleven grandchildren, several great grandchildren , several nieces and nephews and dear friend Beatrice Zastrow survive him. A grandchild, Amy Raynor predeceased Russell. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at the Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home, 6139 East Avenue, Newfane, NY on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 11:00 am from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 4169 Church Road, Lockport, NY at 11 am. Interment will be in St. Peters Lutheran Cemetery, Cambria, NY. Memorials appreciated to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 4169 Church Road, Lockport, NY 14094.