Earl William Ehlke

Ehlke, Earl William Age 90, of Grafton, Wis., passed peacefully at home with his children at his side, entering eternal life September 6, 2015. Earl was born June 1, 1925, in Appleton, Wis. to William and Amanda Ehlke. A man of strong faith throughout his life, Earl was baptized June 1925 and confirmed April 1939 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Appleton, Wis. It was at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he met his dear wife of 67 years, Phyllis Indermuehle. Loving father of Karen Reilly (Ehlke) of Watertown, MA, Gretchen Ehlke of Cedarburg, Wis., and Jonathan Ehlke of North Port, FL. Proud grandfather of Erin Reilly, Matthew Finkel, Sarah Ehlke, Christopher Reilly, Ann Finkel, Alisha Ehlke, and Jessica Ehlke. He is proceeded in death by his son, Gregory Ehlke. Earl graduated from St. Paul’s Lutheran Elementary School, Appleton, Wis., in 1939 and Appleton High School in 1943. After completing his military service, Earl received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in June 1950 where membership included Beta Alpha Psi fraternity. During WWII Earl proudly served as a Tech. Sgt. radio operator on a B-24 Liberator in the 8th Air Force. Always a humble and patriotic man, he became active in the Wis. Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society during his later years. Earl was employed as an accountant/comptroller in various manufacturing companies across Wis., retiring from Malleable Iron Range Co., Beaver Dam, Wis. During his life Earl served as trustee on the Beaver Dam Community Hospital Board, 1972-1987, member of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, and treasurer for Lutheran churches where he held membership. His interest and enthusiasm for accounting continued throughout his life, stating book keeping was his hobby. He sometimes joked that ‘accountants never die, they just lose their balance.’ Memorial visitation is Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Funeral service is Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. Both are at Redeemer Lutheran Church, W76 N627 Wauwatosa Road, Cedarburg, Wis. Burial immediately following the service at Zur Ruhe Cemetery, Cedarburg, Wis. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, W76 N627 Wauwatosa Rd., Cedarburg, Wis. 53012 or to the Wisconsin State Chapter 8th Air Force Historical Society, 14525 W. Dakota St, New Berlin, Wis. 53151.