Ernst Ringgenberg

MADISON - Ernst Ringgenberg, age 94, of Bemidji, Minn., formerly of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, in Bemidji. He was born on June 28, 1916, in Mount Horeb, the son of Peter and Louise Ringgenberg. He was married to Erma Stocker on October 9, 1946, in Monroe. Ernst made Swiss Cheese at the Jones Vally Cheese Factory in Barneveld and at the Puddledock Cheese Factory in Argyle. He later worked at Schoeps Ice Cream in Madison until he retired. Ernst enjoyed volunteer missionary support work and served with Avant and Wycliff in France and various places in the U.S. doing building and repair work. He was a member of Gideons International both in Madison and Bemidji, helping to distribute Bibles throughout the world. Ernst enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with family and friends. He and Erma enjoyed traveling in their RV visiting family and friends around the country. Ernst is survived by his wife, Erma; and their three children, Juanita (Juergen) Broscheit, David (Debbie), and Nathan (Sue); ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Delores Ringgenberg and Jeanne Ringgenberg. Ernst was preceeded in death by his parents, Peter and Louise Ringgenberg; and five brothers, Peter, Wilhelm, Edwin, John, and Alfred. Funeral services will be held at GRACE EVANGELICAL CHURCH, 4546 County Rd. AB, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, with the Rev. Paul Bawden presiding. Burial will be at RoseLawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Memorials may be made to The Gideons International. Memorials: Memorials may be made to The Gideons International. Cemetery: Burial will be at RoseLawn Memorial Park. Visitation: Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GRACE EVANGELICAL CHURCH, 4546 County Rd. AB, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, with the Rev. Paul Bawden presiding.