Ernest Celeste

Ernest Celeste, age 89, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2013, at Wheaton Franciscan –All Saints Medical Center. Ernie was born in Sturtevant on April 16, 1924, son of the late Balisario and Frances (Nee: Figliolia) Celeste.

Ernie attended and graduated from Sturtevant State Graded School. He proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps from August 1945 until December 1946.

On September 11, 1948, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Eileen M. Helding, who preceded him in death on May 15, 2012. Ernie was employed by Walker Manufacturing for thirty-one years and was a Sturtevant Volunteer Firefighter for thirty-five years. He was a devoted and longtime member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his children, Barbara (Ken) McCloskey, John (Wendy) Celeste, Mark (Julie) Celeste, Christine Wenzel; 11 grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; sisters, Beverly Arndt, Eleanor Schroeder; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Frances Ann; his granddaughter, Crystal Rose; brothers and sisters, Marco (Josephine) Celeste, Mary (Joe) Sorensen Livengood, Josephine (Abe) Kirkorian, James (Theresa) Celeste, Rosalie (William) Jensen; and brother-in-law, Richard Arndt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3100 95th St., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Sebastian Catholic Church have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888