FROHNA, Mo. -- Elton W. "Fletch" Haertling, 77, of Frohna passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at his home.

He was born Aug. 10, 1933, in New Wells, to Theo and Olga Koch Haertling. He and Grace Fiedler were married Oct. 21, 1961, in Altenburg, Mo.

Haertling was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, honorably serving from Sept. 2, 1953, to Sept. 1, 1955.

He worked many years as a mechanic at Roland Machinery Co. in Cape Girardeau, retiring in 1995. He was a member of Moonier-Reddick American Legion Post 133 in Perryville, Mo., and a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, formerly serving as an elder and president of the congregation.

Loving survivors include his wife of 49 years, Grace of Frohna; two brothers, Ruben Haertling of New Wells, Clinton (Martha) Haertling of Perryville; three sisters, Alida Evans of Altenburg, Lorene Perr Mayfield and husband Jerry of Patton, Mo., Lorna (Kenneth) Steffens of Altenburg; a brother-in-law, Ted (Sigrid) Fiedler of Lexington, Ky.; a sister-in-law, Faye Fiedler of Oak Park, Ill.; and many dear nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne and Harlen Haertling.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to time of service Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Walter Patzwitz officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery with full military honors.

McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the church or charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.