Ernest J. Christian, 78, of Kenosha passed away Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at United Hospital System-Kenosha.

Born Aug. 2, 1931, in Richland Center, Wis., the son of the late Vern and Anna (Swanson) Christian; a lifelong resident of Kenosha.

He was in the United States Army from March 29, 1951, until his honorable discharge March 12, 1953. He served in Germany during the Korean War.

On July 17, 1969, he married Yolanda Sabad.

For 35 years he was employed as a machinist for American Motors/Chrysler Corp., retiring in 1996.

He was a member of the Swedish American Club and David Leet Post in Somers.

Ernest is survived by his wife of 40 years, Yolanda Christian; seven children, Diana (Jo Keenan) Held; Ernest J. (Lonnie), Michael and Terry, Peggy, Betty, David (Shelly) Christian; three step children, Carolyn (Jim) Thorsen, Marlyn Allen, Ronald Riley; 16 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; five brothers and four sisters.

He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Proko Funeral Home. A military graveside service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wis.

Proko Funeral Home & Crematory

5111 - 60 Street

262-654-3533

Visit Ernest’s Online Memorial Book At:

prokofuneralhome.com