Ernest L. "Ernie" Kwaske

Kwaske, Ernest L. "Ernie"

On December 10, 2020, the faithful soul of Ernest Leonard Kwaske gently slipped from his earthly body to be received by Our Heavenly Father to rest in His Eternal Love. He was blessed at the end to be at his home, ready for the morning and quietly sitting in his chair sleeping when the angels came to call him. Ernest "Ernie" was born in Jackson, Michigan on November 12, 1935 to Leo and Frances (Cyrocki) Kwaske. Twenty two years later he married Mary Helen, whom he believed was a miracle sent to him from God. Together they proudly have 11 children, 36 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ernest is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Helen (Kuhl); 10 children: Steve (Carol), Karen (Dave) Lukasik, Dan, Linda (Joe) O'Dowd, Mary Sue (Neil) Sexton, Margaret (Dave) Krul, Phillip (Ann), Tim (Sarah), Sarah (Brian) Hartley, Cathy (Ryan) Chadderton, grandchildren and great grandchildren; his siblings Eugene, Hank, Kenny (Rosemary), Tony, Mary Ann, and Margie Bromley. Ernie was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane and her husband Brad Lenhart; his parents, and siblings Edward, Delores, Jerry, Ralph and Agnes. A 1954 graduate from Saint John High School in Jackson, MI, Ernie was a gifted man with unlimited talents, working hard in the field of construction his whole life. He worked as Chief Architectural Draftsman at Commonwealth, an Estimator at Workmen Richardson Asphalt Company, a partner with his brothers at Kwaske Brothers Incorporated, an Estimator at Reighter Construction Company, then to partner with his brother Jerry in construction, and finally to work construction into his seventies as a partner with his son Steve. Ernie was known to be dedicated in all that he did, whether it was in construction work, farming or living out his life as a Catholic. After retiring he used his energies to deepen his Faith by attending daily Mass, unfailingly praying his rosary every evening and supporting the Church.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, with Mass of the Christian Burial following at 10:00 AM with Fr. Timothy MacDonald and Fr. Timothy Nelson officiating. A Rosary Service will be held at 9:45 AM. A private interment will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Jackson, Michigan.