Ernest 'Ernie' J. Bushman

Ernest “Ernie” J. Bushman, 97, of Galloway, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Ernie was born on Aug. 27, 1927, on a small dairy farm in the Town of Franzen, near Galloway, the son of Joseph and Mary (Bluma) Bushman. Ernie was drafted into the United States Army on Nov. 6, 1945, and was honorably discharged and has been a member of the American Legion for over 60 years. On May 21, 1949, Ernie was united in marriage to his “one and only love,” Mavis Zwirchitz, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway. The couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Family was very important to Ernie and Mavis, and they cherished the time spent together. They were very proud of their six children and their families. Ernie had a sweet tooth and always made sure to have his candy drawer stocked with his favorites. Ernie usually had Tootsie Pops and Dum-Dums in his pocket. The couple loved to travel and found themselves in many locations throughout the world. They spent many years in Arizona and Alabama to escape the cooler weather. A famous quote was, “When the mountains turn pink, it is time for a drink.” That usually consisted of an old-fashioned. Ernie was extremely active in the potato industry for many years. He was the president of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association from 1983-85. For his lifelong commitment to the potato industry, he was inducted to the WPVGA Hall of Fame. He was president of the National Potato Board, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, from 1977-78. He was also awarded the Super Star of Spuds in 1982. Ernie also served on the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School Board for 15 years, four of those years as president. He also served in the Marathon County Civil Service commission in Wausau for 24 years, six of those years as president. Faith was of the upmost importance to Ernie. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway, and the Men’s Society. Ernie joined the Knights of Columbus, along with his father, brother and nephew, with the Wittenberg council in 1960. They received their first degree on Aug. 8, 1960, second and third degrees on Sept. 15, 1960, and fourth degree on Oct. 1, 1961, at the Wausau Council #1449. Ernie served as grand knight and was extremely active at his church. Ernie was a former president of St. Joseph’s Parish Council, usher, reader and participated in the Eucharistic ministry of Holy Communion, the culture of life and Tootsie Roll programs. Ernie loved reading the daily Mass from the Word Among Us and watching daily Mass on EWTN. He recited many prayers and novenas to our blessed Mother Mary and always had special prayers to St. Joseph and the Holy Family, in his small office which he called his “chapel.” Ernie and Mavis were fortunate to share their blessings with many missions here at home, as well as throughout the world. The couple have been Samarian sponsors for over 40 years, in Africa, India and the United States. Ernie was an avid golfer and loved his Thursday night Men’s League at Maple Hills Golf Course. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan. Ernie looked forward to his weekly trip to the casino. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was famous for his many quick quotes such as “son of a pup” or “you dawg.” Ernie was a “talker,” and should you be out and about with Ernie, you would always be able to find him. All you needed to do was listen and you would hear him singing or saying “Yabba-Dabba-Doo.” Ernie is survived by his “one and only love,” Mavis; children, Shelly (Kevin) Korger, Joe (Wendy) Bushman, Brian (Trisha Grezenski) Bushman, Laurie (Bruce) Spranger and Angie (Kevin) Worzalla; daughter-in-law, Connie Bushman; grandchildren, Amanda (Ian Straight) Bushman, Luke Bushman, Leah “Julian” (Nicole) Korger, Joe (Crystal) Bushman, Bethany (Kevin) Kersten, Jordan Bushman, Mallory (John) Schwalbach, Briana Hirsch, Ryan (Sammie Thomas) Bushman, Trevor (Lauren) Spranger, Haley (Kevin Borris) Spranger, Riley (Derek) Hoffman and Austin Worzalla; and great-grandchildren, Frankie, Aiden, Brennen, Jaxton, Drayden, Kiya, Mason, Micah, Mila, Malayna, Monte, Natalie, Nolan, Jacob, Madeline, Brady, Emma and Addilyn; as well as many other relatives and friends. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, John Michael in infancy and Gregory; siblings and in-laws, John (Sadie) Bushman, Harry (Alice) Bushman, Ann (Nick) Knitter, Marion (Florence) Bushman and Bernice (Edward) Kleman. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway. Monsignor Joseph Diermeier and Rev. Augustine Bentil will concelebrate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with military rites conducted by the Elderon Memorial Post #8068, VFW. Visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. with a rosary recited by the Knights of Columbus at 7 p.m. at the church. Visitation will continue on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at SchmidtSchulta.com.