Post Messenger Recorder -

Ernest O. Rufener, age 88 of Monroe, WI, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at Valley Park Assisted Living, Albany, WI.  He was born on September 17, 1927, in Sylvester Township, Green County, the son of Jacob and Elise (Janzi) Rufener.  

His first marriage was to Mildred Sonsteby.  She passed away in 1983.  He then married Carol Gutweiler on May 1, 1993, in New Glarus, WI. 

Ernie was a hard worker and had farmed in the Green County area.  He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Monroe, WI.  He loved playing cards, fishing in Canada, doing carpentry work, traveling, picking berries and cracking walnuts, and was an active member of Habitat for Humanity and just loved working. He always had to have chocolate covered peanuts!

He is survived by his wife, Carol, Monroe; daughter, Beverly (Harry) Nehls, Oregon, WI; a son, Roger (Judy) Rufener, Monticello, WI; four grandchildren, Amanda (Mike) Heelein, Dennis, Mark and Brian Rufener; a great-granddaughter, Leah Heelein; stepchildren, Dean (Cindy) Morgan, Monroe, Mike (Cheryl) Morgan, Dover, MN, Steve Rufener, Monroe; step-grandson, Tony Lackey, Rochester, MN; siblings, Gertrude Voegeli, Monroe, Arnold (Gloria) Rufener, Belleville, WI, Erna Maske, Monroe, Emil (Joanne) Rufener, Monticello, Walt (Sandy) Rufener, Monroe; and sisters-in-law, Kathryn and Ardellis Rufener, both of Monroe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; brothers, Armin, Jacob and Erwin Rufener; and a sister, Alice Camenzind.

Funeral services were held at Noon on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at St. John's United Church of Christ, Monroe, with Rev. Todd Hackman officiating.  Visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valley Park Assisted Living, Albany, St. John's United Church of Christ, Monroe, Monroe Clinic Hospice, or Habitat for Humanity. 

The D.L. Newcomer Funeral Home, Brodhead, WI, is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be made at http://www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com.

A special thank you to Valley Park Assisted Living staff, Monroe Clinic Hospice and St. John's ministers.