Ernest Paul Werlein age 76 years passed away on August 30th, 2024, with his family by his side.

Ernie was born September 19th, 1947, in Mondovi, WI to Paul and Isabelle (Brantner) Werlein. He grew up in Mondovi and loved to hunt, fish and be outdoors. He graduated Mondovi High School in 1967, he then joined the Navy Seabees and served his country from 1967-1971 during the war in Vietnam. He married Bonnie (Risler) Peterson in 1970, where they lived in Mondovi and raised their two children Jessica and Josh. Once he returned from the service he started his own carpentry business and was one of the best around. His craftsmanship and quality of work were unmatched. While running his own business he also raised cattle and farmed several rented fields in the township besides his own. But above all he made time for adventures with his family. When his marriage dissolved in 1990 Ernie became the Patrolman for Drammen Township and there wasn’t a better man for the job. He put his whole heart and soul into the township for over 30 years and was set to retire on his 77th birthday (9/19/2024).  He loved his job.

 At his daughter’s wedding in 1993 he reconnected with a childhood friend Mary (Weiss) Pederson who became the love of his life. They made it official Groundhogs Day 1994. In their 30 years together he became the father figure in Mary’s three young girls’ lives. He was Angie, Cori and Lara’s rock. Always patient and kind and the perfect example of what a man should be. They moved to her childhood farm in 1997 and he has been working on remodeling it ever since. You can look at any spot in the house and see Ernie. It is so beautiful because of him. Mary and Ernie had a mutual love of traveling included trips to Texas, South Dakota, and National Parks. 

Ernie loved starting his day at his daughter Jessica’s house with coffee and cookies and catching up from the day before. He rarely missed a day. He loved being with his son Josh and got to spend time with him in Colorado last September. He treasured those moments he got to spend with his children on trips out west. He loved all the adventures Angie came up with for him in Texas especially the donut shops and BBQs. He loved being with Cori and her family just spending time together. Papa’s smile made everything better to his Texas grandchildren. To Lara he was the man who exemplified what a father should be – accepting, patient, calm and always there if you needed something even if you didn’t think you needed anything.

He loved all his children & grandchildren. Nothing gave him greater joy than watching everyone grow and being there for all the milestones of their lives, Graduations, weddings, first babies, first steps, and first words. He was such a loving father and grandfather. He loved driving the parade float for his granddaughter Claire during her reign as Miss Mondovi’s First Attendant and he was so proud of the fact that his grandson Colten started to farm. He was also anticipating the arrival of his first great grand babies by both Claire (Darin Stanton) and Colten (Emmie Edwards).  His travels to Texas always included spending time with his grandchildren Reese, Grey, and Finley and being there to support them in all their activities and momentous occasions. Date nights with Zach and Cori and adventures with Angie to dance halls, donut shops and BBQs. He loved when he could build or fix something for anyone. 

He loved hanging out with his family and friends especially at Deer Camp.  There were always jokes, tall tales, games of 6-5-4 and laughter. Being in the woods or on a lake or river was so peaceful to him. Some of the best memories are from the many deer hunting seasons and canoe trips together with everyone. He had such a big heart and everyone he loved could feel it. He loved texting with his sisters Emma, Darlene, and Mary sharing funny stories and jokes and loved hanging out with his brothers, Larry, Rick and Joe. 

Ernie is survived by his love Mary (Weiss) Pederson, his children Jessica (Scott) Bee, Josh (Michele) Werlein, Angie Beck, Cori (Zach) Sumrall, and Lara Pederson. He is also survived by five grandchildren Claire, Colten, Reese, Grey and Finley. His siblings Emma (Steve) Beck, Darlene (Dave) Schober, Larry (Ruth) Werlein, Mary (Fuzz) Weberg, and Rick Werlein and many nieces and nephews that he held dear to him.  He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Isabelle Werlein, brothers Joe and Donald, and sister Margaret.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 7th 2024, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Mondovi. Visitation will be Friday, September 6th, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home in Mondovi and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial with Military Honors will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Rock Falls. 

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Ernest Paul Werlein hosted by Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home.