Ernest Wallander

Ernest J. Wallander, 81, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, February 6, 2021, after a short battle with cancer and more importantly, several days of fellowship with family at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls.

Ernest was born on February 27, 1939 in Sheboygan to the late John and Carrie (Tikalsky) Wallander.  After attending area schools and graduating from Sheboygan Central High in 1957, Ernest embarked on his youth’s great adventure in the U.S. Army.  Ernest spent an extended time training in Alaska with the 32nd Infantry Division and was a distinguished member of the unit’s Honor Guard, even being offered an opportunity to serve in this role at Arlington National Cemetery.  Shortly after his return to his hometown of Sheboygan, he met Marcia A. Seifert whom he married on October 28, 1961.

Ernest worked for a time with his brother Elroy at Leudke’s Meat Market in Sheboygan before serving the City of Sheboygan at Wildwood Cemetery for 27 years.  Ernest was a loyal and hard worker who loved to work outside, which led in part to him finishing his working career as a groundskeeper at Pine Hills Country Club.  His career of mowing and trimming instilled a love of yardwork that was reflected at his home for years to follow.  Ernest was a loving father to his three children, whom he loved taking on planned camping and road trips as well as other spontaneous adventures near home along the lakeshore.  He was especially fond of large family gatherings such as “round robin” during the holidays, where everyone anticipated and cherished his company and humor.  Later in life, Ernest became a dedicated grandfather.  He loved setting off into the woods or on the road for picnics and adventure with his grandsons, as well as spending weekends with them at Kohler Andrae State Park encouraging a love for nature and outdoors.  He also enjoyed observing nature during summers at Lake Madeline in Minocqua with his brother Arthur, Mary and family.  Regardless of where he was, Ernest enjoyed classic country and polka music, and he always expressed his appreciation for good food.

“Ernie” was a carefree soul who treated everyone as a close friend, and who seldom spoke a harsh word.  He instilled humor in life whenever possible with an ever-present and contagious smile right up until his final moments on Earth.  He will always be remembered for his endless kindness and caring for others, especially for his family, which was always selfless in its entirety.  Though he is dearly missed, his presence in memory will forever inspire joy and fellowship among those who were blessed to know and love him.

Besides his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by two brothers, Elroy (late Dorothy) Wallander and Arthur “Buddy” (late Mary) Wallander, both of Sheboygan; two sisters, Charlotte (late Victor) Sterk and Arlene (late John “Jack”) Schema, both of Sheboygan; his sister-in-law Lynn (Glenn) Meyer of Austin, TX; and an infant child laid to rest in Sheboygan.

Ernest is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Marcia Wallander of Sheboygan; one sister, Lorraine Wallander (late special friend Lee Larson); three children; his daughter Lori Wallander of Watertown, son Paul of Sheboygan, and his daughter Amy (Kurt) Bulitz of Elkhart Lake; two grandsons, Jacob (fiancé Christine Larson) and Joshua Bulitz (fiancé Hope Wetzel) of Elkhart Lake; his sister -in-law Donna (late Jim) Hoerz, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Ernest’s family would like to extend a most heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee, the home health care nurses of St. Nicholas Hospital, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the tender care and arrangements provided for Ernest during his battle with cancer and in his passing.

A private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at the Chapel of Eternal Light at Greenlawn Memorial Park.  A public visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON at Zimmer Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Rd. Sheboygan, on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.