Ernest Willborn

Willborn, Ernest "Ernie" MADISON Ernest "Ernie" Willborn, age 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at HospiceCare Center, with his family at his side, who provided comfort and companionship during his final days. He was born on Nov. 29, 1912, in St. Ganlan, Switzerland, the oldest of 12 children born to Ernst and Paulina (Sturzengger) Willborn and came to the United States when he was one year old. Ernie was united in marriage to Esther Coyhis on July 31, 1936, in Dodgeville. He was employed by Oscar Mayer for 44 years, first delivering eggs and then working in the smokehouse, retiring in 1973. Ernie was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by both family and friends. Ernie is survived by his sons, Ernie (Cathy) of Madison, Milton (Joey) of Marshall, and Richard of Madison; two daughters-in-law, Linda Willborn of Hayward, and Kaye Willborn of Madison; 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; siblings, Emma, Alice, Willie, Patty and John; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther in 1987; infant sons, John and Joseph; two sons, Robert in 1999, and William in 2006; three infant grandchildren, Theresa, Little Willie and Greg; and siblings, Hulda, Richard, L"ena, Rudy, Lester and Herman. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens, next to his wife. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., or to St. Patricks Catholic Church, where he was a lifelong member. "What we would give to hear your voice or see your smile, to sit with you and chat awhile, so you who have a loved one, cherish him or her with care, for you never know the heartache til you see their vacant chair. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a memory no one can ever fill. It breaks our heart to lose you but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you when you were called home."