Delbert Ernst

Ernst, Delbert
Delbert Ernst, 83, Appleton passed away peacefully Saturday, June 26 with his family by his side. Delbert was born on December 22, 1926 in Menno, North Dakota, the son of the late Amelia and Jacob Ernst. He married Alvina Smolinski who passed away in 1992.

Del honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy for 7 years during World War II and enjoyed sharing his military travel experiences. He was very patient, well respected and hard working holding down two full time jobs at the same time in his younger years. Del was of entrepreneurial spirit and thoroughly enjoyed being self employed during most of his career. He worked in the men's clothing business during a period of time when “dressing up” was important and was a founding partner in Perry Ernst Menswear of Appleton with his friend Cal Perry. After some time in real estate he then discovered his true passion of buying and selling cars and the strategies involved in doing so. He truly enjoyed advising anybody on how to go about “getting the best deal” on anything. Del fully retired at age 80.

Del and Alvina were proud parents and grandparents who enjoyed regular family gatherings that included picnics, birthdays and every holiday. Early on, a family gathering may have even lead to a car retrieval where everyone was recruited to drive back cars that Del had purchased earlier. Del enjoyed extensive reading, often reading the entire newspaper beginning to end, talking about business and watching Packer games at someone's home. In his later years, he thoroughly enjoyed working for his friend Dick Reetz occasionally doing a roofing job even at age 75.

Del is survived by his daughters; Nancy (Jerry) Ducat, Shirley (special friend Pat) Ernst, at home, Janice Brum , sons Greg (Honey) Ernst and Randolph (Jean) Ernst, 7 grandchildren Shawn, Paula, Robert, Zachary, Stephanie, Brittny, Janell, 5 great-grandchildren; Travis, Alyssa, Jacob, Nathan and Travelle, and one great-great granddaughter, Melanie, 2 sisters; Rose Ganzel and Esther (August) Braatz, sisters-in-law; Rose (Tom)Bohmke, Dorothy Schomish, Martha “Sis” (Howard) Rhode, Betty Smolinski and Joan Smolinski, Audrey Smolinski, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Del was preceded in death by his loving wife Alvina Ernst, brothers-in-law; George, Frank, Eugene and Michael Smolinski, Matthew Prestil, Howard Mielke and Gerald Schomisch and a sister-in-law, Genevieve Mielke.

A funeral service for Del will be held on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (900 N. Mason St., Appleton) with Rev. Judy Deckert officiating. Entombment will be in the Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Wichmann Funeral Home and on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the services at the Church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Theda Care at Home Hospice for all the wonderful care. A memorial fund is being established in Delbert's Name.

“In My Fathers House are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” John 14:2-3

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton 739-1231
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www.wichannfargo.com