Ernest Gussert, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024, surrounded by family. "Ernie" was born on April 8, 1937, to the late Francis and Grace (Fischer) Gussert in Milwaukee, WI. He was the oldest of eight siblings: Gerald, Joan, Jean, Greg, Tony, Mark, and Susan.

The family moved to the Greenleaf area where he spent his youth. He was a delivery route driver for various distributors and later became a semi-truck driver for U.S. Paper, Schneider Transport, and Red Owl Foods. Ernie was a union steward and Vice President of the local Teamsters Union.

Ernie married the love of his life Shirley (Van Gheem) on June 14, 1958, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in De Pere. The couple resided in the Green Bay area where they raised their four children.

Ernie was an avid outdoor enthusiast, and he especially loved his fishing trips to Canada with his sons, parents, and friends. He was fascinated with aviation and earned his private pilot's license. He enjoyed flying his vintage aircrafts, including a Cessna 120 and Cessna 170. He remained interested in aviation until his death. Ernie loved riding his Kawasaki Voyager motorcycle into his late 70s.

He loved his annual apple picking outing, church picnics, family reunions, watching old movies, and football. He had a great sense of humor and loved a good conversation.

Ernest is survived by his four children; Craig Gussert of Howard, Christine (Don) Hanson of Ladysmith, Richard (Trisha) Gussert of Katy, TX, and Melissa Etheridge of Madison; grandchildren, Kelsey Hanson, Holly (Sam) Nigon, Rob Hanson, Kyle, Ryan, and Kendall Gussert, and Emma Etheridge; great-grandchildren, Montgomery, Violet and Rosalie Nigon. He is further survived by his siblings; Jean, Joan, Greg, Mark, and Susan; brothers-in-law, Don (Betty) Van Gheem, Dennis Van Gheem, Duane (Beth) Van Gheem, and sister-in-law Nancy Rogne.

Ernest was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Shirley; his brothers, Gerald and Tony Gussert; and brother-in-law, David Van Gheem.

Family and friends may call to Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM with a prayer service to conclude the evening. Visitation will continue Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Drive, Green Bay, from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM with Father Tom Reynebeau officiating.