Ernst Sturzenegger

Ernst Sturzenegger, age 74, of the town of Hewitt, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, December 31, 2020.  He was born on November 21, 1946 to the late Alfred and Hulda (Naef) Sturzenegger in Friltschen TG, Switzerland.  Ernst met the love of his life, Maya Breitenmoser, and the two exchanged marriage vows on March 15, 1975 in Switzerland.  She survives.

Ernst, with the help of his brother-in-law Hans Breitenmoser, immigrated with his family from Switzerland on September 26, 1979.  He owned and operated a dairy farm with his family in the Town of Hewitt until his retirement in June 2012.  Ernst’s love for owning and operating a dairy farm is what brought him to this country.  He and his family raised chickens and pigs as well.  Ernst was so proud of his four sons and the work ethic that he was able to instill in them. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He served on the Town of Hewitt Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years.  In his spare time, he enjoyed throwing horseshoes, shooting pool, and participating on the dartball league for church.  Ernst also looked forward to watching the Packers, the Brewers and enjoyed watching old westerns.  He loved listening to the polka show on the radio every Sunday morning.

Ernst will be missed by his wife of 45 years: Maya Sturzenegger of the town of Hewitt, his sons: Mike (Laurie), with his daughters: Adrianna and Danica of Edgar, David (Trudi), with their son: Levi of Wausau, John (Heidi), with their children: Morgan, Eli and William of Merrill and Mark (Danielle), with their children: Finn, Oscar and Ellanor of Wausau, sisters: Katharina Kaufmann, Hulda Buerge and Frieda Naef, along with their families, all of Switzerland. Brother-in-law: Hans (Margrit) Breitenmoser, with their children, Dorly (Joe) Dahlke and Hans Jr (Katie) Breitenmoser, with their families, all of Merrill.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Alfred Jr and Willie, and one sister Margrit.

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION:

A Memorial Service for Ernst will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11am at the Calvary Lutheran Church in the town of Pine River.  Pastor Paul Heykes will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 9am until the time of the service, also at the church.  Private burial of Ernst’s cremains will take place at a later date in the Calvary Lutheran Cemetery.

Social distancing and masks will be required at the church.

A live stream of the service will begin at 11am and can be found under his obituary on our website.  A recording of the service will be posted following the service.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.