Ernst Gutschow, 76, of Kiel (Township of Meeme) passed away at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center on May 14.  Ernst was the son of the late Walter and Norma (Raquet) Gutschow.

He was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Louis Corners, where he was a baptized, confirmed and communicant member since his confirmation.  Ernst enjoyed serving on the church council as President, Treasurer, and head of the Board of Elders.

Ernst attended Woodland School, Town of Meeme, a one room schoolhouse and graduated from Kiel High School.  He graduated cum laude in Music Education from Lakeland College and furthered his education at the VanderCook College of Music, Chicago.

Ernst entered the United States Navy Music Program where he served at the U.S. Navy School of Music, studying string bass and the art of Drum Major.  He was also in the Great Lakes Naval Training Center Band, serving as musician and drum major.  He then taught band at the Reedsville School District for many years and was a lifelong member of the Kiel Municipal Band where he played cornet, tuba and bass drum plus cymbals.

On June 10, 1978, Ernst married Rae Elizabeth Bonner, daughter of the late Dr. Nelson and Norma (Kempfert) Bonner.

Ernst sincerely enjoyed his trips to Colorado elk hunting and to the Upper Peninsula hunting deer and grouse.  He was an avid woodsman, tree farmer and gardener.  Ernst was a lifelong student of the German language.  He sincerely enjoyed his Friday morning Bible class with his Pastor friends.

He is survived by his wife, Rae; one sister, Donna Mae Wirth and three sisters-in-law, Nan (John) Keune, Sue (David) Huettner and Diane Bonner.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Ann (Simon) Scharenbroch, two brothers-in-law, Warren Wirth and Nelson Bonner and one sister-in-law, Kay (Joe) Keever.

Funeral services for Ernst will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (19214 County Highway XX, Kiel) with Rev. Ted Olson officiating.  Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery.   Visitation will be on Tuesday, at the church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Please visit www.meiselwitzfh.com to send online condolences.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of angels at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center for the loving care they gave to Ernst.