Ernest S. Suchla

Ernest S. Suchla, 84, of Independence, died Friday, September 23, 2011, at his home. Ernie was born June 3, 1927 in Buffalo County, to Peter and Mary (Gierok) Suchla. He married Betty Zilla on November 10, 1951 in Milwaukee. Ernie was a union carpenter most of his life and worked on bridges and roads throughout Wisconsin. He retired from Local 1074. He loved his family, fishing, gardening and crossword puzzles. He was an avid Brewer and Packer fan. Ernie was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and Sura-Wiersgalla American Legion Post 186 of Independence. Survivors include his wife, Betty of Independence; six children, Daniel of Cudahy, Kenneth (Margaret) of Independence, Elizabeth (James) Lewis of Rodeo, Calif., Kim (Brad Johnson) Suchla and William (Rachael) both of Independence and Ted (Heather Wiltse) of La Crosse; son-in-law, Bruce Brandenburg of Independence; brother, Pete (Irene) Suchla of New Berlin, Wis.; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ernest was preceded in death by four children, Richard, Steven and Jean Suchla and Barbara Brandenburg; three brothers, Ralph, Ed and Roy Suchla. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at the SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with Rev. Woodrow H. Pace officiating. Burial, with military rites, will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Monday and 8-10 a.m. Tuesday at Edison Funeral Home, Independence, where there will be a prayer service followed by a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Monday. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ernest S. Suchla, please visit our flower store.