Ernest P Gaden

Ernie P. Gaden, age 94, of Neillsville, WI died Monday, June 20, 2011 at the Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation Center.Ernest was born on August 13, 1916, in Neillsville, to the late William and Mary (Aumann) Gaden. He was a graduate of Neillsville High School in 1936. After completing his education, he worked for Clark County before going in the Army in October, 1941. Ernest served in the Aleutian Islands, The Europe Campaign and fought battles in Rhineland in Central Europe. He was awarded the American Defense Service Ribbon, The EAME Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, five Over Sea Service bars and one Service Stripe. He also wore the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Good Conduct Medal. Ernest was discharged in October, 1945. After returning home, he worked at American Foods in Neillsville until they closed. He then worked various jobs until retirement. During his retirement he especially loved playing cards at the Senior Citizens Center and with family. Ernest also enjoyed marching in parades for the American Legion. He had the great opportunity to be a part of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. on October 4, 2010.Ernest was a member of the Neillsville American Legion, where he served as treasurer for many years and also belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Neillsville and served on the Finance Committee counting money for 40+ years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.He will be missed by many nieces and nephews including Charlotte (Frank) Oldham of Neillsville, Ron (Gwen) Schmidt of Spencer, Dolores (Andy) Lindner of Muskego, June Schmidt of Loyal, Sheila Schmidt of Spencer, Alice (Jim) Peterson, William Gaden, and Jo Ann Allison all of Wisconsin Rapids and many great nieces and nephews.Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Genevieve Schmidt, one brother-in-law, Edward Schmidt, one brother, John Gaden, one sister-in-law, Lena Gaden and two nephews, Robert Schmidt and Eugene Schmidt.A Mass of Christian Burial for Ernest will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2011 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant will be Father Varkey Velickakathu. Music will be provided by Ronald Resong, organist and St. Marys Choir. Interment will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by the Neillsville Veterans Council. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m., Rosary Service, Friday at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday at St. Marys Catholic Church.Serving as casket bearers will be Jim Peterson, Bill Gaden, Shane Allison, Andy Lindner, Ronald Schmidt and Frank Oldham.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456