Elroy Ernst

Elroy Ernst of Grafton passed away peacefully on Monday October 15, 2018 at his residence at the age of 93 yrs. Elroy was born in Mequon, WI on April 14, 1925 to the late Lorenz & Lydia (nee Radue) Ernst and married the late Lucille (nee Staus) on November 26, 1949. Elroy played trombone in the Cedarburg high school band. In 1946 after World War II was over, Elroy and his friends started a band with trombones, trumpets, sousaphone, clarinet, and drums and called it the Victory Band. They practiced in members garages and performed in parades and at picnics. Later, they changed their name and this was the start of the Alte Kammeraden. They went on to perform in Washington DC at the Smithsonian to represent the American German Culture. They toured Europe several times in Germany, Italy, Austria performing in many cities and also at the Munich Octoberfest. At 19 years old Elroy borrowed a 1939 Chevy and he and his friend, Elmer Klug, decided to go on a road trip. They left in January and headed for California. Getting to California and seeing the Pacific Ocean they decided to go and see the Atlantic Ocean. So, they drove to Florida. They then drove up the east coast to return home after visiting 39 states and driving 8,500 miles. Getting home he went to work with his brother Elmer, bought a bull dozer and started building roads in Mequon. They went on to start Ernst Brothers Sand and Gravel and delivered sand to Milwaukee for several decades. Elroy finished his career working for Graceland Cemetery. Elroy traveled the world and the United States with his wife Lucille. Besides, Germany and Europe they went on tours to the New England states, Tennessee and Kentucky, Canadian Rockies, San Antonio, New Orleans, West Virginia, Hawaii, and Alaska. Elroy went on to write poems and his own autobiography praising God for his life and all of the beautiful creations he was blessed to see. Elroy is survived by his children; Wayne of Grafton, Douglas (Karen) of Mequon, Susan (James) Grube of Cedarburg, Sally (Ronald) O’Neill of Grafton, and Laureen Ernst of Port Washington, sisters; Alice Frenz of Germantown, Irmgard (Lester) Tews of Milwaukee , and his brother John (Marie) Ernst of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his wife Lucille, 2 brothers & 1 sister. He is further survived by 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday October 19, 1 PM at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church 10729 W. Freistadt Rd. Mequon. Interment will be held at the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church Friday from 10:30 AM until 12:45 PM. Memorials of your choice appreciated.