Racine – Ernst John Argstatter, age 83, passed away peacefully at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center on Tuesday evening, January 30, 2018.

Ernst was born in Rosenheim, Germany on November 21, 1934 to the late Johann and Frieda (nee: Jegg) Argstatter. He immigrated to the United States in 1953. As a new citizen, Ernst faithfully served our country with the United States Army from 1955-57 as a sharp shooter and tank driver. On June 6, 1959, Ernst was united in marriage with the love of his life, Ingrid J. Bendrin.

With a profound work ethic, Ernst began his career at American Motors. With his passion for motor vehicles moving him forward, Ernie owned & operated Northside Auto Sales on Main Street where he repaired, painted and sold cars for 15 years. He retired from the automotive business at Holz Motors in Milwaukee as a successful sales associate. Ernst was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Among his interests, Ernie was an avid gardener, always coaxing radishes out of the ground or cucumbers on the vine, an extreme car enthusiast, no engine was too much for him and a puzzle buff. Never one to stay idle, Ernie enjoyed home remodel projects and several homes in the area benefited from his skills. Above all, Ernie loved spending time with his entire family.

Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Ingrid J. Argstatter; their children, Diane (Rod) Wolfe, Brian (Maria Fliess) Argstatter, Susan (Jose') Peña and Karen (Bill) Briwick. He will be fondly missed by his grandchildren; Eric, Nicole, Michelle, Michael, Stephanie, Kayla, Rachel and Hannah; great-grandchildren, Drake, Cyrus, Natalie and Gianna; sisters, Frieda Petkovic and Erna Paul; brother-in –law, James Muir; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 11:30 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and on Thursday from 10:30 – 11:30 am. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Palliative Care Unit at the Zablocki VA Medical Center for their compassionate care of Ernie.

Service Details

Funeral Service: Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 11:30 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.

Visitation: in the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and Thursday from 10:30 – 11:30 am