Ernst A. Frankenberg, age 82, of West Bend, passed away Thursday January 1, 2009 at the Cedar Lake Health Center.
He was born on May 29, 1926 in Milwaukee to the late Ernst G. and Margaret (nee Jordan) Frankenberg. His family resided in West Bend and Ernst graduated from West Bend High School in the class of 1944.
After high school Ernst enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent seven years as an interpreter in Germany, and then caring for the officers horse's used in competition at the 1948 Olympics. After his service duty ended he returned to Germany and studied to become a brew master. During his studies in Germany Ernst was united in marriage to Maria Rauchenecker on June 23, 1953 in Munich, Germany. When they returned to West Bend he was a brew master for West Bend Lithia before becoming the Diplom Brew Master at Miller Brewing in Milwaukee. After his retirement he helped start Sprecher Brewing Co. in Milwaukee.
Ernst was a member of the Fred A. Schaefer VFW Post # 1393. He was active with the West Bend Germanfest, and very active with the Son's of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Ernst started the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association in 1960, and commanded the 4th Military District SUVR. The 2nd Wisconsin attended Memorial and 4th of July Parades, dedications, centennial events, and the like. Ernst was also a companion member of the Military Order Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). This group was founded in 1865 upon the death of President Lincoln. It is linked to those whose ancestors were officers, physicians, and telegraphers during the Civil War.
Ernst is survived by his wife, Maria; three children, Margit (Michael Haupert) Frankenberg of Rubicon, Emilie Anita Frankenberg of Franklin, and Ernst J. (Annette) Frankenberg of West Bend; six grandchildren, Sigfried Leu, Birgit Haupert, Christa Seidl, Stacey Seidl, Ernst M. Frankenberg, and Madeleine J. Frankenberg; a sister, Marjorie (Don) Stegemann of New Braunfels, TX; a brother-in-law, Joseph (Reinhilde) Rauchenecker of Munich, Germany; a big brother and dear friend, Brian (Brenda) Berquist of Baldwin; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services in remembrance of Ernst will be held on Friday January 9th at 5:00 pm at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, West Bend. Pastoral Assistant Dan Schroeder of St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish will officiate. Visitation will be Friday at the funeral home from 2:00 pm until the time of service. Burial with military honors will take place on Saturday at 11:00 am in Newark Cemetery.
Memorials to the Washington County Historical Society are appreciated. Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family.