Ernest O. Steinmann, age 94 of Argyle, passed away to his heavenly home on Saturday, November 21, 2020 with his wife, Joyce, of 72 years at his side, at Pleasant View Nursing Home. Ernest was born to Ernst and Elise (Dubach) Steinmann on August 24, 1926 at the Bleiler Cheese Factory in Argyle. He attended Dry Goods Box School and he fell in love with the art of making Swiss Cheese at the age of 14. At the age of 18, he entered the US Army during WWII and served in the Philippines. In 1947, upon his return from service, he met the love of his life at Turner Hall, Joyce Marie Pehl. They married in June of 1948 at St. John’s United Church of Christ. From 1947 to 1985, he made cheese at the Pleasant Valley Cheese Co-Op in Winslow, IL.
They have 5 children, Anita (Michael) Wampole of Middleton, Mark (Mellody Haug) of Monroe, Brian (Lydia) of Argyle, and 2 sons deceased, Larry (Noreen) and Randy.
During his many years of cheesemaking he was an active member of the VFW (Lifetime), the Cooties, American Legion, St. John’s UCC and Antique Wheelers. He enjoyed motorcycling, old cars, trucks and tractors, and woodworking among many other talents and interests. And he loved to dance and listen to old time music. He and Joyce went dancing whenever the opportunity arose and even traveled as far as Nebraska.
After making cheese for over 40 years, Ernie and Joyce built a chalet home near Argyle. During their years there they traveled extensively enjoying Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and several ocean cruises. He also enjoyed restoring many antique cars and tractors during this time. He loved working in his yard and it seemed to get bigger with each passing year.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Joyce of Argyle; 3 children; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Robert and Peter (Roxanne) and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sons, Randy and Larry; brother, Hans and sister, Lillian; and many relatives and friends.
Ernest’s pride and passion was not only his family but his love for making Swiss Cheese. We have lost a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. We will miss his infectious laugh and the twinkle in his eyes when he flashed his beautiful smile.
Dad had a strong faith and knew he’d move onto a better place when his time came. And he did live his life his way. Amen. “I will cherish all the friendship I was fortunate to find, all the love and all the laughter in the place I left behind. All these good things will go with me. They will make my spirit glow. And that light will shine forever in the next place that I go.”
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the nurses and staff at Pleasant View Nursing Home and the Monroe Clinic Hospice for their compassionate care given to Dad.
A Private Family Service will be held at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home with Pastor Christie Mandas officiating. A Celebration of Ernie’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Pleasant View, PO Box 733, Monroe, WI 53566, Monroe Clinic Hospice or Argyle EMS
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com
