Ernest V. Lardenoit

ERNEST LARDENOIT NORWAY- Ernest "Ernie" Lardenoit age 86 of Norway, passed away Friday, February 22, 2013 at Maryhill Manor in Niagara, WI. from recent complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ernie was born May 6, 1926 in Norway, son of the late Victor and Anna (Varda) Lardenoit. He graduated with the Norway High School Class of 1944 and then served his country for two years in the US Navy before returning to the family business, Lardenoit Distributing where he worked until his retirement in 1982. He married his high school sweetheart, Eva LaPorte on May 31, 1947 and they enjoyed almost 62 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on May 8, 2008. Ernie was a successful businessman and proud and valued member of the First National Bank of Norway Board of Trustees, serving as Chairman of the Board for almost 20 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and served for several years on the Parish Services Commission, a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, #1474, and a life member of Hall-DeWinter Post #145, American Legion and Norvulet Post #4581, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Ernie was a world class conversationalist and could reminisce with the best of them. He rarely forgot a name or a face, especially of former customers of the beer business. He seemed to run into people he knew wherever he went and when he didn't bump into old friends, he made new ones. Ernie was a Green Bay Packer season seat holder since the 1960's and enjoyed games with his wife, good friends, children and grandchildren for many years. Upon retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, time at Camp 41, his cottage at Hamilton Lakes and working in his yard. After losing his wife he also enjoyed the companionship and meals at the Norway-Vulcan Senior Center and being a tour guide at the Jake Menghini Museum. Ernie is survived by his three daughters, Roseann (Greg) Poetz of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Marianne (Fran) McCarthy of Hamilton Lakes, and Sheri (Don) LeBombard of Vulcan; his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren Josh (Emily) Poetz and children Ryan and Jacob of Seneca, SC, Matt McCarthy (April Kelly & Jaylyn) of Vulcan, Erin (Scott) Hoffman and children Mac and Maggie of Brussels, WI, and Cody & Connor LeBombard of Vulcan; his devoted sister, Carol Kimichik of Norway, a sister-in-law, Rose Marie Muraro of Norway, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, JoAnne in 1975; and his first granddaughter, Kristi (Poetz) McRae and her husband Jim McRae in 1996. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 3 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway. Military Services will be held on Sunday at 6 p.m. and Parish Prayers will be held at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 4 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Norway, with Fr. Timothy Ekaitis officiating. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Jake Menghini Museum or the Norway-Vulcan Senior Center. They can be sent c/o Ortman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 155, Norway, MI 49870 Pallbearers will be grandsons Josh Poetz, Matt McCarthy, Cody LeBombard, Connor LeBombard, grandson in-law Scott Hoffman and friend Mark Skog. The family wishes to thank the administration and staff of Evergreen Assisted Living where Ernie enjoyed seven happy months before his illness required a transfer to Maryhill Manor and also all the caregivers at Maryhill for their kind and compassionate care.

Ernest V. Lardenoit

May 6, 1926 - February 22, 2013