Erna Lydia Weich, age 96, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Maplecrest Manor in Ripon.
Erna was born on April 18, 1921 in the town of Brooklyn, Green Lake, WI, a daughter of William and Emma (Steinke) Keplin. She graduated from Ripon High School in 1939. On May 4, 1941, Erna married Harold Weich in Ripon where they made their home and raised their family.
Erna was employed by Ripon Foods from 1953 1986 and upon retirement she and Harold realized their dream when they moved to Green Lake where they enjoyed many years in a home overlooking the beautiful Lake. A lifelong member of Hillside Assembly in Ripon, Ernas faith in God was a pillar of strength in her life.
A hardworking mom, Erna took great pride in her job, her family and her immaculate home. Although a quiet, private person who never complained, Erna had an endearing sense of humor and a determined, feisty spirit. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered with many smiles.
Erna is survived by two daughters: Mary (William) Koonz, Shawano, WI; Sarah (James II) Pyle, Dallas, TX; grandchildren: John (Vivian) Koonz, Tallahassee, FL; Sara Cosentino, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; James Pyle III, Houston, TX; Christian (Emily) Pyle, Dallas, TX. Great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Dylan Pyle, Houston, TX; and Osbourne Pyle, Dallas, TX. One sister, Dolores Ingersoll, Ripon; and sisters in-law, Esther Stellmacher, Ripon; and Anita Keplin, Brandon. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews. Erna is predeceased by her husband, Harold in November 2001; parents, William and Emma Keplin; four brothers: Edison (Erma) Koplin, Eric, Clarence (Avis), Aldon; one sister, Elsie (Roland) Krueger.
A visitation for Erna will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at Hillside Assembly, 656 W. Oshkosh St., Ripon, WI, 54971.
A funeral service for Erna will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, also at Hillside Assembly, with Reverend Erik Boulier officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon. A memorial is being established.
The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the Maplecrest management and staff for the exceptional loving care given to Erna for the past two and a half years. They became her family. We are also very grateful for Loretta Soeller who faithfully leads a weekly Bible study at Maplecrest. Erna never missed, and singing the old hymns was the highlight of her week. Finally, thank you to Agnesian Hospice Hope for their care and support during the past couple of months.