"My condolences to the whole family on the passing of their wonderful husband and father. We were the neighbors across the street and as four ladies all alone your Dad always helped us out with snow plowing in the Winters so we didn't have to shovel so much and always had a kind word. Nothing from happy thoughts thinking about him and I was sad when he moved to Oostburg. The Wallestads"
In loving memory of
Kenneth Wilke Erlwig
February 13, 1925 - January 27, 2014
Kenneth Erlwig, age 88 years of Oostburg, formerly of Port Washington, died Monday evening, January 27, 2014, at Sharon S. Richardson Hospice in Sheboygan Falls. He was born February 13, 1925 in Milwaukee, son of Anthony and Emma Wilke Erlwig. Ken was a 1943 graduate of Grafton High School and served in the United States Air Force. On June 7, 1952, he married Marilyn Neumann at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Milwaukee. From 1958 until 1989, he worked as the accountant for West Side Auto and later Schmit Brothers Dodge in Port Washington. Ken was a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Sheboygan Falls and Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post in Port Washington. He served as an usher at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington and also served on St. Mary's Cemetery Association board for many years. Ken enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Tomahawk and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling, Sheepshead and listening to music, especially polka and Big Band. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, three children Bryan (Liz) Erlwig, Jim Erlwig and Karen (Don) Buser, all of Port Washington, seven grandchildren Lindsey, Emma, Chad, Amy, Andrew, Morgan, and Bryce, his sisters Audrey Liebenstein of Scottsville, NY and Shirley Helms of Grafton, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Elinor Even. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 1, 11 AM at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 319 Giddings Avenue in Sheboygan Falls with Father Bob Lotz presiding. Entombment with full military honors will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Washington Saturday at 3 PM. Visitation at the CHURCH Saturday from 9 - 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Blessed Trinity Parish or St. Mary's Cemetery Association appreciated. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.
Tributes
"I want to extend my condolences to Ken's whole family. I worked with him at Schmit Dodge several years ago. He was one of the nicest people I have ever worked with. I know he will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. "
"What a beautiful man, inside and out, with one of the biggest hearts ever. We at the lake will miss his always happy smiling face. There is no doubt he will be fishing with the big guys now."
"MARILYN & FAMILY: OUR SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF KEN. WE WERE NEIGHBORS BACK IN GOOD OLD PORT WASHINGTON. WE WILL REMEMBER HIM WITH A PRAYER HERE AT ST DANIEL IN SCOTTSDALE,AZ."
"I will remember Mr. Erlwig as a happy person with a smile. He was one of the many neighborhood dads of my family's childhoods. He was also a nice presence in my teenage years as I worked with him at West Side Auto Service. He and Marilyn set a good example of how to enjoy life and marriage. Sorry that I can't express my condolences in person. God's blessings to all in the Erlwig family."
"Marilyn and Family, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband and father. The "cousins" club is getting smaller!! Ken will be missed."
" Marilyn and Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers, may Ken rest in peace."
"So very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. You both were so very supportive of our family, especially mom and dad, Marion and Harold Matthews. I know you had many happy memories of times spent together golfing, playing cards, dancing, etc. It was always a joy to see you both for you always were so friendly. Wish I could attend Ken's funeral but don't trust winter weather. You will both be in my prayers. M/b Ken will find mom and dad and they can have a great game of Sheepshead. God bless you and grant you peace during this trying time. Try to dwell on the happy memories. Kay Lynn Matthews Martin "
"Mr. Erlwig (as I always called him) was a friendly face whenever I visited my dad at West Side Auto. He was also a helpful and kind neighbor. Ken & Marilyn always seemed to have a good time together whenever I saw them at family weddings. He will be remebered fondly"
"I remember Kenny as one of the happiest people I ever knew. He always wore a smile. I can not recall ever seeing a frown. During much of my high school years I saw him nearly everyday after school at West Side Auto Service. He will be missed but the fond memories will remain."
"I will remember him as a great neighbor when growing up in Port and working with him at my dad's West Side Auto Services. He always had a great smile on his face and I am sure a bigger one now up above us all. "
"Farewell to Ken, a man who made life here on earth Heaven for his wife and family, is now in God's Heaven. We have all had the privilege to enjoy his pleasant, kind, helpful & humorous personality over the years and he will be missed by many. My heart aches for you, Marilyn. Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Will see you at church."