Union Grove – Julius J. “Jay” Ehrlich, 93, passed away peacefully at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove, WI, on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.
Jay was born in Red Bank, New Jersey on May, 16, 1918, to the late Harry and Anna (nee: Haberman) Ehrlich and grew up in New York City. Jay honorably served his country during World War II with the Army Air Corp. On December 14, 1945, Jay was united in marriage to the former Trudy Hoesly from Monticello, Wisconsin, who preceded him in death on March 20, 2006.
Jay started his sales career in 1949 as a representative for Van Munching Co. in New York City. He moved with his family to Wisconsin in 1953, working variously as the owner of a variety store and as sales manager for brands such as Heineken's. After joining the Jack Daniels Distillery Co., Jay took over responsibility for Korbel brandy in 1965. Korbel was ranked as the 25thlargest selling brandy at the time. However, Korbel brandy climbed to be the 7th largest selling brandy by the time Jay retired in 1983, earning him the nickname, “Mr. Korbel”. Jay was awarded many regional and national honors for his accomplishments. Jay could talk with anyone about anything and on family trips made friends with everyone he encountered. He is remembered immersed in his newspaper with his glasses on top of his head. He read everything from the local newspapers to The New York Times to The Nation Magazine. He passed on this love of journalism and current events to his family.
Surviving are his children, Barbara (Jim) Kautz of Tiburon, CA, Regula (Will Winburn) Ehrlich of Summit, NJ, Jill (Kai) Andersen of Bristol, WI, Jack Ehrlich of Rockford, MN; grandchildren, Matt and Julie Kautz of California, Kai-Erik and J.J. Andersen of Bristol, WI, Miranda and Ben Ehrlich of Rockford, MN, and Zoe Winburn of Summit, NJ; sister, Loretta Bauer of Delray Beach, FL; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Jay was preceded in death by his brothers, David Ehrlich of Delray Beach, FL., and Joseph Ehrlich of Palo Alto, CA.
No formal services are being held. The family has suggested memorials to the Wisconsin Veterans Home, 21425G Spring Street, Union Grove, Wisconsin, 53182.
The family would like to express their appreciation to long time caretakers Nikki, Brian, Kathy and Erica, and the very special staff of the Wisconsin Veterans Home for their love and support of Jay through these tough times. We will remember you always.
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