J. Michael (“Mike”) Ertel, 77, of St. Pete, FL, passed away on May 19, 2025. He leaves behind his loving wife of over 40 years, Patricia (“Pat,” nee Fledderman) Ertel; daughters Heather Drockelman of Asheville, NC, Robyn (Bryan) Werner ofGreenwood, IN and Kathryn (Scott) Barajas of Carmel, IN; and five adoring grandchildren, Jackson Werner, Benjamin Werner, Elyse Barajas, Colin Werner and Graham Barajas. He is also survived by siblings Joseph (Jean) Ertel, Carol (Jerry) King, Mary Lou Ertel and Andy Ertel, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Born to the late James and Betty Ertel on May 22, 1947, in Lafayette, IN, Mike grew up in Tipton, IN, and Gary (Miller Beach), IN, graduated from Wirt High School in Gary, IN, and Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Industrial Administration. He was a proud employee of 3M in the Twin Cities, MN, General Electric in Louisville, KY, Batesville Casket Company in Batesville, IN, where he served in a variety of executive and operational roles. He was President and COO of Premier Bedding in Tampa, FL, a merger and acquisitions expert and investment banking registered representative at a variety of firms in Tampa/St. Pete, FL, and, most recently, a Managing Director with Transworld M&A Advisors in St. Pete, FL. For a dozen years, he fought for a simplification bill for business brokers and was so proud when the legislation was passed into law a few years ago. Of all his business endeavors,
his favorite role was serving on the board of directors for Batesville Tool & Die, Inc. (“BTD”) in Batesville, IN, for 37 years. Mike often sported the BTD logo and provided wisdom and counsel to the founder, his late brother-in-law Ronald Fledderman, and the executive team. Mike was unstoppable, loved his work and never retired. He would say, “Willie Nelson said ‘why would I retire if I love what I’m doing!’”
Mike enjoyed cheering on the Pacers with Pat, traveling (especially to Cancun, Mexico), golfing, piloting small aircrafts, boating and beaming with pride as he shared detailed updates on his family. He often quoted Garrison Keller’s Lake Wobegon Days and would sing “Turn out the lights, the party’s over; they say that all good things must end” (Willie Nelson again) when things were getting out of hand. “Papa Mike” was famous for his Rodeo Cowboy announcements and rides while playing with his grandkids in the swimming pool. He is appreciated for his support and encouragement of his wife’s, children’s and grandchildren’s studies and interests. Mike will be remembered for his strong work ethic, loyalty, integrity, calm and respectful demeanor and his love of Florida and his family.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 1-4 p.m., with comments from family and friends at 3 p.m., at the Mystic Bay Clubhouse, 7727 Mystic Bay Drive in Indianapolis, IN.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial scholarship at Ivy Tech Batesville. Please indicate “In memory of Mike Ertel” on your gift, mail to Ivy Tech Foundation, 50 W. Fall Creek Parkway North Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46208, or online at: giving.ivytech.edu. Donations can also be made to the Batesville Parks & Recreation Department, 716 S. Park Ave, Batesville, IN 47006, for support of Brum Woods. Please indicate “For Brum Woods in memory of Mike Ertel” on your gift.