Obituary of Ernest A. Witek

Ernest A. Witek, 83 of Waukesha passed on to eternal life on Tuesday, February 5^th, 2019.   

Ernest “Ernie” was born on September 11^th, 1935 in Lublin Wisconsin to John and Elizabeth (nee Gaj) Witek.  He married Mavis Polso on January 21^st, 1956 in Ironwood Michigan.  They moved to Milwaukee where they worked, lived and started their family.  They built their home in Waukesha in 1972 and raised 8 children, 4 boys and 4 girls, including a set of twins.  Ernie had a strong work ethic and was employed by Praxair for over 30 years.  He retired in 1999.

Ernie was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Mavis Witek, his parents John and Elizabeth Witek, and his brother Marion Witek.  He is survived by his 8 children, Mark, Kim, Mike (Jennifer), Maureen (John) Walton, Karen (Mike) Ness, Cheryl, Jim and John (Nicki), 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren (including his newest grand-daughter, Emilia, whom he didn’t get to meet, and 2 more soon to arrive).  He is further survived by his brother Eugene (LA), and Mavis’s twin sister Virginia Heikilla (AZ) and younger sister Gail Kniska (WI) and many nieces and nephews.  With help from family, Ernie was mostly independent and living at home until his passing, as was his wish.

Ernie will be remembered most as a wonderful family man, who loved cookouts and gatherings.  Their home was always open for family to stop in.  Through the years he and Mavis often joked about their crowded driveway and ever revolving front door.  Ernie thoroughly enjoyed the countless hours he spent supporting his children and grandchildren at sporting competitions or other events.  He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting.  He passed on his love for the outdoors (and many tips and skills) to his children and grandchildren.  He most enjoyed one special week each fall at “deer camp” on the family farm in Withee, Wisconsin, surrounded by family, close friends, big meals, card games and endless story telling.  Ernie will definitely be remembered as this hunting tradition continues and stories of him are passed on to generations to come.

We will so miss Ernie’s presence with his always quick wit and sense of humor and his wonderful warm hugs.

Ernie’s life will be remembered and celebrated at a private family memorial service at Ceasarz Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home in Waukesha.