Ernst W. Lubbe

Ernst W. Lubbe, 67, of Westby, died Wednesday, January 15, 2014. Ernst (Ernie) Wolfgang Lubbe, 67, of rural Westby passed away on January 15, 2014 at Vernon Manor. He was born on August 6, 1946 in Hanover, Germany to Ida (Wannags) and Gerhard Hans Lubbe. At the age of five, he and his family immigrated to the United States first entering the country at Ellis Island, NY. He and his parents lived in Mead, Nebraska. At the age of 11, the family moved to Milwaukee, WI due to the large Germany population there. He was very proud of his German heritage and the fact that he was a U.S. citizen. He was a member of the Army Reserve in the 1960s. Ernie was a lifelong member of the Local 601 Steamfitters Union in Milwaukee. Ernie was a stoic, traditional man and a true friend to those who knew him. Ernie is survived by his wife, Carol Peterson; his stepson, Christopher Freiseis; step-grandson, Landon; stepdaughter, Ava Freiseis (Brad); and many numerous good friends; his huge adopted family of Carols, and his loyal companions: Lex, Bootsie, and Pepper. Ernie is survived by many great friends, who Carol considered them to be his "family". He was preceded in death by his parents. There are numerous relatives in Germany, but unfortunately had lost contact with them. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy 56) in Viroqua. The Rev. Dr. Steven Fossum will officiate. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service at the VFW Club in Viroqua. A private burial will be held at Coon Prairie Cemetery at a later time. In lieu of flowers and plants memorials are preferred. Some donations will be made at a later date to some of Ernies favorite non-profit organizations. The Vosseteig Funeral Homes are serving the family.