Ernest E. Paulowski

Ernest "Ernie" Edmund Paulowski, age 80 passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Born on October 30, 1944 to the late Edmund and Isabelle Paulowski.

He attended Menasha High School and graduated in 1963. During his junior year, he was class president and Prom King. His class remained very close even after graduation. Classmates frequently met to reminisce of the glory years and Blue Jay pride.

In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His tour of duty was the Virgin Islands on the helicopter carrier-USS GUAM. He served until 1968 and honorably discharged in 1971. He was proud to serve his country and told many stories of his experiences.

His one true passion was golf. In 1975, he moved to Newport Beach, CA to teach golf. He became a PGA Teaching Pro and began his golf career. He taught at several courses and golf shops in Southern California, also playing courses from Newport to San Diego.

In 1990, he married Linda Blaney. They began their married life in Marina, CA. Ernie enjoyed golfing the Monterey Peninsula golf courses including Pebble Beach. They spent time in Sonoma, Napa Valley and Yosemite golfing and enjoying the beauty of the West Coast. During this time, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a golf shop in Salinas.

Returning to the Fox Valley in the late 1990's, Ernie enjoyed his family time and summers at the cottage on Star Lake in Mountain. Time was spent attending activities of the grandchildren and golfing at Reid and other local courses. After retirement, Ernie golfed with his brother Lenny, in a Reid golf league, played weekly cribbage games with his friend Greg, and enjoyed watching Badger and Packer games. He and Linda traveled with friends, Greg and Marilyn, and enjoyed many bus trips with friends.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of 34 years; daughter, Lisa; stepchildren, Kevin Blaney, Kerry (Ryan Klein) Meinel, and Moira (Ed) Rossi; step-grandchildren, Isabelle (Zach) Martin, Ethan Blaney, Autumn Blaney, Lauren Meinel, and Madison Meinel; brother, Lenny (Dot) Paulowski; sister-in-law, Jill (Mark) Schumacher; brothers-in-law, Craig (Mary) Vorpahl, Kent (Beth Cook) Vorpahl, Brian (Lisa) Vorpahl; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ernie always kept family and friends entertained with his stories from childhood and high school. He cherished the lifelong friendships he had with Phil, Greg, and his friends from grade school, high school and beyond.

The family would like to thank Theda Care Appleton, Oakridge Gardens, and Theda Care Hospice for their compassion and caring. Ernie’s calm demeanor and good sense of humor allowed him to make friends while being cared for over the last few months.

A memorial visitation will be held for Ernie from 9-11 AM on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM. He will be laid to rest at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI at a later date.

At Christmastime, Ernie enjoyed ringing the bell for Salvation Army. In lieu of flowers, please ring bells or donate to Salvation Army using the link below in honor of Ernie. As we approach the holiday season, perform a random act of kindness in his memory.