Ernest Joseph Walters

Ernest "Ernie" Walters was called home to the Lord on October 20, 2024. Born on September 19, 1927, Ernie lived a fruitful life marked by faith, devotion to his family, and hard work.

Ernie was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Evelyn Walters, and a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his family; daughter Sandi (Dennis) Cihlar, grandsons: Matthew, (Carie); great grandchildren Ian, Luke and Ella. Grandson Aaron, great grandson Dane. Grandson Nathan, Jacie; great grandchildren Athena and Ahnen. Son Mike, granddaughter Nikki (Doug) Yarie, Daughter Karen (Frank) Zebro, grandson: Bryan (Jodi); great grandchildren Avery, Aubryn, Adalyn, Aleigha. Son Darren, (Calandra); great grandchildren Cole, wife Savanah, Jaxson, Chloe. Daughter Nan Walters, Grandchildren Heather Drake Burroughs, (Kevin), great grandchildren Halle, Kendal, Kaden, Eli. Granddaughter Julie Drake Morrell, (Lee) great granddaughter Leighton. Daughter Joni (Robert) Hartnett, grandchildren Elyse, Garrett and Alyssa. Son Ernie Jr., (Jean), grandson Evan, wife Ashley and great grandson Nolan. Daughter Lynn (Matt) Kern, grandchildren Jenny, (Dennis), great granddaughter Maya. Jered, (Megan) great-grandchildren Aislyn, Avaya, Attalie. Jordan Kern Gruber, (Mike), great grandchildren Easton, Everly and Oakley. Janelle, (Nathan). Daughter Diane (Mike) Gorman, grandson Dillon, (Lindsay), great grandson Briggs. Granddaughter Devon, (Andy), grandson Dalton and Miranda. Son Gary, (Carrie), granddaughters Bridgette, husband Kyle, granddaughter Olivia. Besides his parents, Michael and Mary (Gracylny) Walters, Ernie was preceded by death by brothers, Henry, Frank, Leonard, and Anthony, and sisters, Evelyn, Esther, Alice, Lorraine and Leona, his Father and Mother-in-law Arthur and Frieda Fahrner, Brother and Sister-in-law Louis and Nan Fahrner, Son-in-law Jeff Drake, and Daughter-in-law Beth Walters (Fochs)

His life revolved around his family, whom he cared and provided for with utmost dedication.

Ernie's religious devotion was evident in his commitment to St. Paul's Catholic Church, where he was an active attendee. His faith shaped his life and contributed tangibly in his support for Catholic Charities, an organization he passionately advocated.

Ernest was driving rigs before he had a license at 15, he often spoke of the difficulty of the depression era and the motivation that was necessary to succeed. He was driven and meticulous in all he did, daily prayers, work and record keeping. He proudly displayed a handwritten ledger of each payment on the farm over 50 years ago. He loved his work at Swiderski Implement and simultaneously had a dairy farm, which later became a Ginseng farm. He had received a corneal transplant almost 40 years ago after which he served as a continuous courier for Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. As a civic advocate, he functioned as the Town Assessor of Knowlton, later as Town Chairman of Mosinee. He was active on the Town of Mosinee School board and served as President. Ernie found fulfillment and camaraderie in his work. He valued the contributions he made to the professional organization, which aligned with his strong principles of hard work and service to others.

Ernie's life was enriched by his love for Polka Music, a genre he adored and often filled his home with. He cherished Old Western movies and was a frequent viewer of RFD TV. He spent his leisure time engaging in Hunting, Golf and working outside in nature, activities that he found both relaxing and invigorating. His favorite vacation spots were the beautiful landscapes of Montana and Wyoming, where he found tranquility and rejuvenation.

Among Ernie's many accomplishments, one that brought him immense joy was his assistance in the development Mosinee Fire District. His sense of community and service was ongoing. Another was His hole-in-one at the Mosinee Golf Club. He continued to play even after a farm injury in which he lost four fingers on his left hand. After a successful tournament, he was asked for a golf tip. His reply was,” most people put too many fingers on the club.” It was a moment he treasured, reminding him of the thrill and fulfillment that came from perseverance and a love for the game.

We cannot express enough gratitude for all the loving and expert care of the staff at Aspirus, Dr. Valentine, Father Becker, and Primose Memory Care. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, October 25, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Paul Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.