Ernie P. Riesen

September 5, 1960 - February 13, 2024

St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church-Beaver Dam

511 S. Spring St.

Beaver Dam, WI 53916

Saturday 2/24, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church-Beaver Dam

511 S. Spring St.

Beaver Dam, WI 53916

Saturday 2/24, 12:00 pm

St. Peter Cemetery-Beaver Dam

Cty. Rd. G

Beaver Dam, WI 53916

920-887-2082 |

Saturday 2/24, 1:00 pm

Ernie Paul Riesen was born September 5, 1960 in Beaver Dam, WI at St. Lutheran Deaconess Hospital to Paul and Evelyn Riesen. Ernie attended school and later graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1978. It was there where he would meet his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Barbara (née Nitschke). They were united in marriage at St. Peters Catholic Church in Beaver Dam on October 30, 1982. Together there they parished for nearly five decades and went on to have two boys, Jesse and Ryan.

At an early age, Ernie was inspired to be a car enthusiast by his father Paul. While still in his youth, he took a role working as an auto body repairman for Dodge County Motors, owned by Bill Kleinman. Soon after, Ernie went on to work for who later turned out to be a lifelong friend, Gordy Kohl, at Randolph Auto Body. Ernie took great pride in his work and was widely known as one of the best auto body repair specialists in the area. Ernie eventually became the owner of Randolph Auto Body in 2018.

As a young man, Ernie took his family on many vacations by car, traveling all around the United States and enjoying the many sights along the way. Ernie cared for his family tremendously and enjoyed all time spent with them. As his sons Jesse and Ryan got older, they too would enjoy working on classic cars and enjoyed time with their dad at numerous car shows throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. Ernie and his sons received many trophies at multiple car shows for their vehicles, a testament to the quality of work and attention to detail by their dad.

Aside from classic vehicles, Ernie also enjoyed escaping to the Wisconsin Northwoods, where his family’s multi-generation cabin remains. The cabin “up north” was a place for treasuring countless memories. His children and grandchildren enjoyed many weeks and weekends sharing time hunting, fishing, boating and relaxing. The memories created there will be passed down to future generations.

Ernie was also a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan and a longtime season ticket holder. He enjoyed every game day at Lambeau Field with many friends and family regardless of weather – sunshine, rain, snow, or frozen tundra cold. Ernie witnessed seasons of Championships & losses, rookies & retirements.

Ernie has two grandchildren, Carter and Andrea, both of which are children of his oldest son Jesse (Elizabeth). Ernie took pride in their achievements and thoroughly enjoyed watching them play sports. From baseball and football with Carter to volleyball and basketball with Andrea, he loved his grandchildren with all of his heart and treasured every minute with them.

He attended St. Katharine Drexel Parish regularly until his health would no longer allow him. He held his faith dearly. A special thank you to Deacon Cody for his support and visits.

At his core, Ernie was selfless. If you needed help with anything he was always there to lend a helping hand. Friends, family, and strangers alike have all witnessed his generosity in business and at home.

In his final days, Ernie wanted all to know how blessed he was to have everyone in his life. If you knew Ernie, you were a friend. Special friends, you know who you are. Cherish the good times had.

“If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you… when mountains crumble to the sea, there will still be you and me.”

Ernie will be missed by his wife, Barb Riesen of Beaver Dam; sons, Jesse (Elizabeth) Riesen of Beaver Dam and Ryan Riesen (Chelsey Omen) of Bayside; grandchildren, Carter Riesen and Andrea Riesen; siblings, Diane (Mike) Przekurat of Modesto, CA, MaryLee Grube of Sheboygan, Billy Noll of Beaver Dam, David (Jean) Riesen of Janesville, Paul (Linda) Riesen of Watertown, Irma Owens of Watertown, Beth (Chuck) Feller of Iron Ridge, and Wendy Bonilla of Beaver Dam; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Lois Kuenzi, Dennis Noll, Bonnie Hale and Larry Riesen.

The visitation for Ernie will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday at 12:00 noon with Fr. Will Arnold officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Memorials may be made in Ernie P. Riesen’s name to St. Katharine Drexel Parish.

Koepsell Funeral Home

Linda Heaps

Jeff & Kathy Mallon

Ed Rahn

Teresa Winton

Debra Wilson

Leah Gilmore

Chuck and Deb

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St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church-Beaver Dam

511 S. Spring St.

Beaver Dam, WI 53916

Map

Saturday 2/24, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church-Beaver Dam

511 S. Spring St.

Beaver Dam, WI 53916

Map

Saturday 2/24, 12:00 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

St. Peter Cemetery-Beaver Dam

Cty. Rd. G

Beaver Dam, WI 53916

920-887-2082 | Map

Saturday 2/24, 1:00 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

Tribute Video

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Barb it’s easy for someone to tell you everything is going to be okay believe me it’ll take time but it will get better. I know, I also loss my spouse my best friend. Your family will be your strength's and support in keeping the memories of Ernie alive!! My sympathies to you and your family!

Wishing you comfort during this difficult time. He will always be remembered as a wonderful, kind individual.

White Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of Ernie Riesen by Emily Kohl. Send Flowers

I was blessed by knowing Ernie. You cannot explain how a certain person touches your heart and leaves such warm feelings . My heart goes out to his family for their loss of a wonderful, vibrant man. He will be missed! So heart broken and sad.

God's speed to Barb and family What wonderful memories we have shared. Ernie could put a smile on everyone's face. Thank you Barb for sharing so many special memories in your beautiful tribute video. He will truly be miss. Until we meet again someday at the end of life's eternal road.

Our sincere condolences 🙌 and prayers 🙏 to the family & friends of Ernie Riesen who has gone to eternal peace in Gods house in heaven! Sadly missed by us & many others!
Rest in Peace our friend!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Barb and family - his siblings and friends - Ernie was the youngest of my cousins and very special in every way. My heart breaks for all of you and for me, as well. He did live life to the fullest and I know we will find comfort in memories of happy times we spent together. God bless!
Cousin Rod

Barb and Family, we were saddened by the news of Ernie’s passing. We only have great memories of his friendship with our boys Rob and Andy. They both developed a heart of gold working with Ernie and Gordy at the body shop. They learned a lot about working hard, friendship, loyalty and life. We will miss Ernie and his rough edges and his kind heart. We take comfort in knowing that Ernie and Rob are together again. Randy and Kathy Hemling

My deepest sympathy for all the family and friends who knew this wonderful man. Proud to have know you old friend. Will be sadly missed by many

Rest in peace Uncle Ern.

Prayers for comfort and hope. We knew Ernie through Gordy. Always a smile to share. God bless all who love and will miss him. What a beautifully written tribute. Until we meet again.

In memory of Ernie P. Riesen, Debra Wilson lit a candle

Free of pain at last....Rest in peace Brother.......Love, Brother Bill

Rest in Peace "Uncle Ern". You will be missed by many and our family gatherings will never be the same. You were the best!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Ernie Riesen . Plant a Tree

Barb ...

I am sorry for your loss. Your husband's joy and quick wit will be missed by all. He was always good for a laugh and a smile. Gone too soon too soon....

Ernie was great guy and always good for a laugh or two, our dad and I had the pleasure to work with Ernie at Dodge County Motors where he and Barb became friends with the Hensler family which was always a Great time, He will be truly missed

Barb and family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Such a good soul taken way too early. Both of you were always so kind throughout the years anytime we crossed pathes. He'll fly high with the angels!

I loved you, little brother, and you'll always be in my heart....Big Sis

Barb & Family: Please accept our deepest condolences. Ernie was a great guy. We always enjoyed catching up with the both of you when we would meet somewhere around BD. Our prayers to you and Ernie and your family. Best wishes.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Barb, Family & friends,
Ernie was a great friend - we spent a lot of fun time together in high school- great memories! He was a super body man; got him to fix my vehicle’s & excellent work.
A true friend when we would get back to BD after moving & we would try to catch up! His family was his Pride & Joy! He will be missed- until we are together again - God has another 😇 angel! God Bless

I know Erine will be happy to see a tree growing that he can help and protect. We all miss you so much. Our memories of you will keep lifting us up.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Ernie Riesen . Plant a Tree

My deepest condolences go out to Barb, Family and Friends. Ernie always had a big smile on his face. He will be remembered by many.

We are so very sad to say good-bye. Your smile and sense of humor are just two of the things we will miss. Love you!

Barb and family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you.

So sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. Have known him since we were kids. Such a great guy!!

R.I.P. my friend
Thank you for all the great work you did for us over the years. You will be missed and never forgotten. Of all those paint jobs. This is my favorite. It was a big pain for but you still got it done.
Good bye my friend.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.