Ernest Paltzer

On Thursday, December 31, 2020, stock in Pabst Brewing Company took a sharp fall on the news of Ernie Paltzer’s passing. Senior executives called an emergency meeting to brace for the impact of the anticipated drop in Blatz sales.

Outagamie County also took a hit, as he may have been the best ambassador it ever had, regularly and seriously questioning why anyone would have the need to travel outside the great region. If he was ever spotted elsewhere, which was seldom over his 75 years, it was a huge concession he made after much pleading from his loved ones.

Affectionately known as Big Ernie in the greater Seymour area, he was well-known at his favorite establishments and had many friends and acquaintances there. Despite being a man of few words, he could command an audience with his animated stories — likely after a few cans of Blatz.

Ernie was very particular about his food, often given a platter for a dinner plate on holidays so his acceptable choices had enough space so as not to touch each other. And gift giving was a breeze for family as his request was always simple: Kessler’s, Camels and cashews.

Life began for Ernie on a dairy farm on Meade Street in the town of Grand Chute, where his strong work ethic was engrained in him. The first child of Ernest and Betty Paltzer, he was raised in a home of German traditions — particularly simple meat and potato meals — and strict Catholic beliefs. He attended St. Thomas More grade school and went on to graduate from Xavier High School.

Ernie’s greatest accomplishment was talking Sara Jane (Sally) Manteufel into being his wife. They started their lives together on dairy farms in Grand Chute and then Seymour, where they raised their three children. Ernie went on to drive truck for Van Handel Excavating and Calnin and Goss, where he worked until this past fall. He was also a volunteer fireman for the town of Osborn for 44 years.

The most tragic event of Ernie’s life was the loss of Sally in a car accident at the young age of 41. She was taken way too soon, and her death had lasting effects on the entire family.

Not one to gush over his family, Ernie trusted that his children just knew of his enormous love for and pride in each of them: Jill Berg (special friend, Brian Mahlendorf), Mike Paltzer (special friend, Cheyenne Carpenter) and Robin (Scott) Mooren. His grandchildren were equally cherished, and their visits brought him great joy: Brandon (Jordan) Berg, Dan Berg, Nicole Mooren and Thomas Mooren.

“Butts” will also be greatly missed by his siblings: Kurt (Karla) Paltzer, Gretchen (Mark) Brann, Pam (Rod) Reynolds, Pete Paltzer and Jackie (Randy) Peters; siblings-in-law: Chuck (Julie), Bobby (Kellie) and Jeff (Tammy) Manteufel; and numerous nephews, nieces, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; grandparents; parents-in-law; sisters-in-law: Polly Anne Paltzer and Paula Depner; brother-in-law, Dennis Manteufel; as well as beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Guests will be required to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 915 Ivory Street, Seymour, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2021, Closing Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., Fr. Sengole Dass officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in the parish cemetery.

"In the blink of an eye, everything can change. So forgive often and love with all of your heart. You may never know when you may not have that chance again.”

Online condolences may be expressed to Ernie's family at www.muehlboettcher.com.