Erhard G. “Dutch” Saettler, 90, of Monmouth, IL passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth, IL.
Dutch was born in Peoria, IL to Erhard and Opal (Coats) Saettler on July 11,1935. He was the oldest of four boys and nicknamed “Dutch” from a very early age. He was raised and educated in Peoria and following his graduation from high school he went off to Wabash College (and would fondly recall his days there). He completed a Masters Degree in Chemistry at the University of Minnesota, where he met Sue as she worked in the chemistry department.
On August 29, 1959 Dutch married Sue Hawkinson in Minneapolis, MN and together they raised two daughters, Mary Sue and Michele. Sue passed away on March 15, 2019
Dutch spent the first part of his career as a chemistry professor at the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, MN. It was there that his two daughters, Mary Sue and Michele, were raised. Following the closure of that college in 1989 he and Sue moved to Monmouth, IL where at Monmouth College he became the Registrar retiring in 2000.
Along the way Dutch could be found cheering on the local athletes at Cotter High School in Winona and later Monmouth College (where he ran the clock for the basketball games for many years).
Following the death of his beloved Sue in 2019 he remained in Monmouth and was active with Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, was a 4th Degree Member with the Monmouth Knights of Columbus and volunteered at OSF Holy Family Medical Center.
At home he remained independent and busy, always putzing or completing some small project. He could tell you precisely how many times he cut his lawn over the summer and loved tracking the weather. His daily weather updates to family will be greatly missed. Dutch made his regular rounds to his church, the post office, the grocery store, to visit his dear friend Will, and of course to the library. The only time he was still was when he was reading or when one of his “adopted” cats like Tippy (the neighbors’ cat) came over and fell asleep on his lap. He will be remembered for his warm laugh, kind support, unassuming down-to-earth personality and his loyal dedication to those he cared about. Most of all, his cheery “Hi, Twink” greeting to his daughters will be missed.
Dutch is survived by his daughters Mary Sue (Nick) Vinci and Michele (Leo) Evans, grandchildren Carter Evans, Jonathan Evans, George Vinci, Janet Vinci and delightful great-granddaughter Camila.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sue, and brothers Roy, Fred, and Herman Saettler.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Friday, January 23, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Monmouth. No visitation is planned. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Monmouth. Memorials can be made to Immaculate Conception Church or Monmouth College. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
