William J. Ernst Profile Photo
1943 William 2025

William J. Ernst

March 17, 1943 — April 14, 2025

William John Ernst, 82 years old of Waterford, WI passed away Monday, April 14, 2025. He was born March 17, 1943 to the late William and Thelma Ernst in Racine, WI. On August 8, 1964, Bill was united in marriage with Barbara LaCanne. Bill dedicated 40 years of work at SC Johnson in Racine, WI. He was a loving husband, dedicated father, and adoring grandfather.

Survivors include, his wife of over 60 years, Barbara Ernst; sons, David (Ericka) and Michael (Donna) Ernst; grandchildren, Xavier, Xanthe, Braydon, and Rylan Ernst; niece, Susan LaCanne; nephew, Christopher (Elise) LaCanne; grand-nieces, Samantha and Ruby Hanneman; grand-nephews, Stevie (Maggie) Hanneman, Geoffrey and Joshua LaCanne; great-grand nieces, Gwendolyn and Sabrina; dear friends, Todd and Kathy Westervelt; and many other family members and friends. Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Julia LaCanne; brother-in-law, Ronald LaCanne, sister-in-law Eileen Lacanne; and dear nephew, Patrick LaCanne.

Memorial Visitation will be held Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 2:00PM until the time of service at 3:30PM at the Cotton Exchange, 345 Hickory Hollow Rd. Waterford, WI 53185. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Girl Power Africa C/O Silver Leaf Interiors 301 N. Sherman Ave. Madison, WI 53704, American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741, National Multiple Sclerosis Society P.O. Box 91891 Washington DC 20090-1891, or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to MEALY-STENCEL FUNERAL HOME 225 W. Main St. Waterford, WI 53185. For additional information, please call (262)-534-2233. Please sign the online guestbook for Bill at www.stencelfh.com


  • Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home
  • 225 W. Main Street Waterford, WI 53185
  • 262-534-2233
  • www.stencelfh.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William J. Ernst, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Memorial Gathering

Sunday, May 4, 2025

2:00 - 3:15 pm (Central time)

COTTON EXCHANGE PLANTATION HALL

345 Hickory Hollow Road, Waterford, WI 53185

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Celebration of Life

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Starts at 3:30 pm (Central time)

COTTON EXCHANGE PLANTATION HALL

345 Hickory Hollow Road, Waterford, WI 53185

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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