Obituaries

Earnest “Ernie” R. Steinke, 97, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2024, at the Hillview Senior Living in Mondovi, Wisconsin.

Ernie was born on September 26, 1926, to Earnest and Josephine (Knesley) Steinke in the town of Gilmanton, WI, he was the 3rd of 4 children. When Ernie was 7, his family bought the farm he lived on for the rest of his life.

Ernie married the love of his life, Carol (Barney) Steinke. Carol always said she knew he was the one when he showed up with the back seat off his Swept Wing Dodge full of lilacs from the family farm. Together, they had 1 son, Jon Steinke.

Ernie was known to everyone as a great cattle man and farmer. He had great love of the land and farmed to preserve the land. He spent many enjoyable hours hunting and fishing with his grandson.

Ernie is survived by his daughter-in-law, Joy Kellner of Gilmanton, WI; grandson, John (Kendra) Kellner of Fall Creek, WI; great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Kellner (Ryleigh was the light of Ernie’s life); brother-in-law, Alexander Stygar of Eau Claire; nephews, Alexander (Nancy) Stygar of Chippewa Falls, WI and Paul (Alissa) Barney of Tennessee; nieces, Debbie (Jim) Edwards of Mount Pleasant, WI, Barbara Syring of Saint Paul, MN, Dr. Kyja (Scott) Stygar-Fasbender of Elk Mound, WI, Diane (Ted) Brown of Kenosha, WI, and Jennifer (Terry) Davis of Cohasset, MN; two dear friends, Danny Franzwa and Scott Thorson; and many other friends and relatives.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Steinke; son, Jon Steinke; parents, Earnest and Josephine Steinke; brother, Paul (Ilsa) Steinke; and sisters, Lorraine (Frank) Syring and Cora (Carl) Brummer.

A Celebration of Life will he held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from noon to 3:00 pm at the American Legion in Gilmanton, WI. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.