Ernest "Ernie" J. Schinke

Ernest J. Schinke passed away peacefully at Appleton Medical Center on January 1, 2022.  He was born on October 12, 1939 to the late Ernest and Marge (Zuleger) Schinke in the City of Appleton, WI.  Ernie married Rosemary M. Reichwald on October 9, 1965 at the church of St. Mary, Hilbert, WI.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who always had a joke to tell, and a smile on his face.  You would be hard pressed to find someone that did not like Ernie.  He was gentle and kind to everyone he met.  Ernie enjoyed going up north on weekends, and eventually built a cabin where he and his wife Rosie retired to for several years.  He enjoyed his morning coffee on the deck, reading books, solving crossword puzzles, socializing with his friends, and having a cold Miller Lite while watching the Green Bay Packers.  He spent his final years in Appleton, WI near his family. 

Ernie is survived by his daughter Michelle (Alan) Burton, Black Creek, and his son Michael (Theresa) Schinke, Appleton; grandchildren: Lauren, Allison, Emily, Jared (Kelly) Burton, Jordan (Rachel) Burton, and four great grandchildren.  He is also survived by two siblings; Gary (Margo) Schinke and Sandy Vandenberg.

He was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary, his parents, his sister Barbara DeWitt, and his nephew Timothy Schinke. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 6th, 2022 at Valley Funeral Home in Appleton from 4 to 6 pm.  Service will be officiated by Pastor Aaron Rosenau at 6 pm.  We encourage you to join us in wearing Green Bay Packer gear.  Ernie did not like dressing up, and he would not expect anyone else to do so. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Celebration Lutheran School”, or a memorial fund of your choice.

A special thank you to the caring staff at Appleton Medical Center, who made his final days comfortable, and to Primrose Retirement Community for caring for Ernie, and laughing at his jokes.  We also thank all the family and friends that have prayed for Ernie and his family.

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