Ernst “Ernie” Ewald Possner, age 84, lost his life to pancreatic cancer on February 13, 2022.
Ernie was born on March 18, 1937, in Lausnitz at Neustadt on the Orla, East Germany, the beloved son of Walter Willi Possner and Marie Luise Susanne (Sterger) Possner. By his own account, Ernie had a wonderful childhood growing up as one of 10 children and was especially close to his devoted mother, Luise.
Following completion of apprenticeships and masters programs at BBS Mauxion School, Jacobs and Company Confectionery, E. Glaser Bakery, Pfinder Confectionery and Café, Richemont Trade School and Test Laboratory, Wilhelm Grossmann Bakery and Confectionery Shop, Confectionery Café Georg Obermaier, with Hans Binder – Master Baker, and Karl Mossinger – Master Baker in Germany and Switzerland, Ernie was recruited from Bremen, West Germany, to come and work in research and development at the Swiss Colony in July of 1969. He was a dedicated and inventive asset to the company until his retirement in March of 1999. He was also a familiar face to many in our community from the additional job he had at Ricky’s Pizza for many years.
Ernie had a voracious thirst for knowledge that was satisfied through world travel, reading, learning new languages, and extensive pursuit of education. He credits his fiancé, Elisabeth, with being a huge support in his receiving degrees in Chemistry and Biology, as well. Tragically, she died just before they were to marry. His lifelong passion for wood carving began when he learned to carve his own candy molds while in training to be a master chocolatier and candy maker in Europe. This artistic outlet also led him to lifetime friendships, which he cherished until the end of his life. Ernie was a truly gifted artist with a nearly unquenchable zest for life and new experiences. In his words, “Life is beautiful!”
While he didn’t leave behind direct descendants, his many extended family members in Germany and those of us who were blessed to call Ernie our friend will hold our memories close to our hearts for the rest of our lives. It is our charge to carry on his legacy and strive to live beautiful lives in his memory.
A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held at the Shriner Hager-Goelke Funeral Home, Monroe, on Monday, February 21, 2022, from 4-7pm.
