Ernest Michael Laurent, 72, of De Pere, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. He was born on June 30, 1949, to Donald and Lavern (Detrie) Laurent. Ernest attended West De Pere High School. He married Lynn Mostek on May 8, 1971, in Green Bay WI at St. Phillips The Apostle Church. Ernest worked in maintenance at Morning Glory Dairy for 35 years. He enjoyed spending time at their first cottage at Lake Lucerne in Crandon, WI with his family and friends, and in later years at the cottage at Gridle Lake, in the Crooked Lake/Mountain area. Being Mechanically inclined, Ernie enjoyed tinkering in his garage with anything that was broken. He took great joy in making things work again, especially small engines and car repairs. As a woodworking enthusiast, he made beautiful things from scratch, and enjoyed giving them to family and friends. Cribbage and Sheepshead tournaments were a passion that he enjoyed playing in at the Old Number 7 tavern in De Pere. Every family gathering included an active game of cribbage with family members. Being a Grampa was his highest honor. His granddaughters were the apple of his eye, and he loved them dearly. Ernest is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Laurent; children, Eric (Suzanne) Laurent and Chad (Kari) Laurent; grandchildren, Gwen, Paige, Elaine, Naleah, and Senya; siblings, Patricia (Joseph) Maar, Mary Ellen (Bob) Zuleger, Kathy (Kirk) Witte, Sally (Jeff) Goffard, Gary (Diana) Laurent, and his Godmother Bernice Laurent. Lynn's family; Larry (Tari) Mostek, Wayne (Lori) Mostek, Larry Marto, Marlene (special friend Clyde) Swette, Dorleen (Len) Delveaux, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Patricia Maar, his in-laws Edward (Ruth) Mostek, Elaine Mostek, brother-in-law John Swette, and many aunts and uncles. Friends may visit after 3:00PM on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, De Pere, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 6:00PM with Fr. Peter Ambting O.Praem. and Deacon Mike Vander Bloomen officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Thanks to Scott Baeten and his wonderful staff at Ryan Funeral Home. A special thank you to our wonderful friends, family, and special neighbors for their thoughtfulness and compassion.