Ernest E. Jelinek, 104, of Sarasota, Florida, died peacefully in his home, Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
His life began September 1, 1919 in Three Oaks, Michigan, the oldest of three children born to Joseph and Anna (Kulka) Jelenik. He married his childhood sweetheart, Geraldine Sobotka in 1945. After enjoying sixty-five years of devoted marriage together, she preceded him in death in 2011.
Ernest graduated from Three Oaks Highschool in 1937. Afterwards he and his brothers, John Jelenik and Edward Jelenik started Jelenik Brothers Farm and Jelenik Brothers Dairy in New Buffalo. Ernest was drafted into the US Army in 1941 where he attained the rank of Captain and served under General George Patton. As a member of the 5th Armored Division, he landed on Utah Beach on D-Day. He came home in 1945 and was recalled to serve for the Koran War in October of 1950 and was discharged in March of 1952.
Ernest joined The Bank of Three Oaks and served there as vice president for nineteen years. In 1964, he became co-owner of the PEMCO Die Casting Corporation and retired in 1975. Ernie was an avid golfer, served several years as a director and treasurer of the Berrien County Youth Fair, was a founding member of the Lakeshore Rotary and was involved in farming operations with his brother, Ed, until their retirement. Ernest and Geraldine made their home in Lakeside until moving to Sarasota, Florida.
Ernest will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by two nieces, Nancy Reimann of Wamego, Kansas and Amy (Bob) Grey of South Bend, Indiana; three nephews, Jim (Teddie) Jelinek of New Buffalo, Ron (Dianne) Jelinek of Three Oaks and Tom (Marilyn) Jelenik of Three Oaks.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, John Jelinek.
Family and friends will gather for a graveside service Friday, July 26, 2024, at
11:00 a.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Ernest be made to the Berrien County Youth Fair, Post Office Box 7, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.
Posted On: Monday, June 3, 2024 4:49 PM
