Elmer T. Ernst

PORTAGE  --  Elmer T. Ernst, 85, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016, at Oak Park Place in Baraboo.  He was previously a resident of Portage for over 55 years.

The son of John and Theresia, Elmer was born in Chicago on June 4, 1930. He married Marian Boultbee on January 26, 1952. Elmer received his Bachelors degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois in 1952. He was in the Army Corps of Engineers and stationed in Korea from 1955 to 1956. Elmer, Marian, and their three children moved to Portage in 1958 where he was a civil engineer at General Engineering, Inc. until he retired in 1996. He took an active role in his community throughout his life by donating his time and leadership skills to his church, various service organizations, and the public school system. He was a member of the Lions Club for over 40 years and enjoyed being part of his a.m. McDonalds coffee group.  Elmer was an avid square dancer, polka enthusiast, and Mr. Fix It.

Survivors include his wife, Marian; son, Jeff (Ann) Ernst, Melbourne Beach, FL; daughter, Caryn (George) Bulovsky, Lodi; grandsons, Andrew and Matthew Bulovsky. In addition, Elmer is survived by his sister, Gilda (Fritz) Schmiegelt, Chicago, IL; sister-in-law, Nancy Boultbee, Frankfort, IN., and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Elmer was preceded in death by his son Rick in 1972, his parents, brother, John (Geraldine) Ernst, and sister, Erna (Paul) Bartsch.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, with Rev. Greg Hovland officiating.  Inurnment will be held at 1:15 p.m. in Silver Lake Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, 2825 Hunters Trail, Portage, WI 53901, or your local Humane Society.

A special thank you is extended to Oak Park Place in Baraboo and Agrace Hospice for the care Elmer received.