In Memoriam: Dr. James O. Ertle (1937–2026)

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. James O. Ertle, age 88, on May 25, 2026.

Dr. Ertle was a pillar in the Noah Derm Society and dermatology in general. Past president of Noah, he also served as a member of the Legal and Ethics Committee, and he brought to both roles the same principled dedication that defined his entire career. Noah members will remember him for his generous spirit, his deep commitment to patients and colleagues alike, and his extraordinary record of service across every level of the specialty.

A graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Basel Medical School, Dr. Ertle maintained a private practice in Hinsdale, Illinois, and served as an assistant professor of dermatology at Rush University—where he was named Teacher of the Year by the Rush Dermatology Residents on multiple occasions. He also served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy. Over the course of his career he was elected to the boards of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Dermatology Foundation, the Foundation for International Dermatological Education, and the International Society of Dermatology, and served as president of the Chicago Dermatological Society, the Illinois State Dermatological Society, the Great Lakes Dermatological Society, and Noah.

Dr. Ertle's honors were many. Among them, the Practitioner of the Year Award from the Dermatology Foundation, the Humanism in Medicine Award from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, and the Humanitarian Award from the Melanoma Research Foundation. He also received multiple Presidential Citations from the American Academy of Dermatology for his volunteer work in developing countries, including service in Haiti, and was elected an Honorary Member of the AAD by its Board of Directors.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Ertle was a devoted patron of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He was a tireless traveler who reached ninety-six countries and all seven continents with his beloved late wife Virginia. Additionally, he was a man of deep Catholic faith that guided his lifelong commitment to serving his patients, his family, and the world.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Ertle, and is survived by his son, James O. Ertle, Jr.; his daughter, Elise Ann (Brendan) Quealy; and his grandchildren Ben, Brendan, Tess, Amanda, and James.

There will be a Memorial Visitation held in Dr. Ertle's honor at 10:00 a.m. and a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on June 5th at St. John of the Cross Church in Western Springs, IL.

Dr. Ertle gave generously of himself to Noah and to dermatology for decades. He will be deeply missed.