Ernest “Ernie” Otto Mattner (98) of Green Valley, AZ, formerly of Kenosha, WI, passed away at his home on November 15th, 2023. He was born on August 28th, 1925 in Tigerton, WI to Adolph and Emilie (nee Martin) Mattner. Growing up, Ernie worked hard on his family’s farm – spending hours up in the barn loft to have time to himself.
Ernie met Dawn Wachs in Kenosha, WI and they were united in marriage on June 28th, 1952. Dawn and Ernie had many happy years in Green Valley, AZ. They were married for 46 years. Dawn became very ill and Ernie was her caregiver for the last few years of her life.
Ernie was employed at Nash-American Motors as an autoworker for 31 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kenosha and served as an usher for many years. Ernie was part of the brotherhood of the Freemasons and was grateful for his time with their community. In 1981, he retired to the desert to escape the ragweed and snow. He enjoyed helping his neighbors and friends with odd jobs. Ernie was not one to sit around – he was always attempting to make thing better and loved tinkering with inventions of his own making.
Ernie is survived by his son Edward Mattner, his daughter-in-law Ella Fossum and his granddaughter, his princess, Melody Mattner. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Donna Mattner and Sandy Mattner and his former daughter-in-law Joyce Mattner. Ernie is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and great grandnieces and great grandnephews.
Ernie was preceded in death by his wife Dawn, his parents Adolph and Emilie Mattner and wife’s parents Edward and Louise Wachs. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Ozzie Mattner and his wife Jo, Herb Mattner and his wife Christine, Auggie Mattner and his wife Lucille, Al Mattner, Ted Mattner and his wife Sally, Hattie Strange and her husband Dale, and Walter Mattner.
Services honoring Ernie’s life will be held at Bruch Funeral Home in Kenosha. Visitation will be Sunday December 3rd from 1pm to 3pm and Monday December 4th from 9am until time of service. A Masonic Service will be held Monday December 4th at 10am followed by interment at Greenridge Cemetery.
