Ernest (Ernie) Richard Pappenheimer Jr.

Ernest (Ernie) Richard Pappenheimer Jr, born March 18th, 1951, left this earth on August 9th, 2024 at the age of 73. He joins his parents Ernest Sr. and Wanda, and his younger brother Robert. He is survived by his older sister Dianne (and David) Morrill. He leaves behind the love of his life, Charlene (Kirst), whom he just celebrated a 53rd Anniversary with on July 30th. They were blessed with three children, daughters Lisa Kasten and Stephanie LaForrest, and son Jeffrey. Ernest was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed.

Ernie was hardworking, loyal, and dedicated to his family. He met Charlene in 1968 and you could rarely find one without the other for all their 53 years of marriage. Charlene knew right away that Ernie was “the one” and he knew that life with Charlene would never be dull.

Ernie helped operate the family business, Freeman’s Dairy, until he moved his family to Holland, Michigan in 1983. He worked for Swift, Redi Whip, Country Fresh Dairy, and retired from Welch’s. He never stopped working, whether at his job or at home, where you could usually find him mowing the lawn. If Ernie was on the lawn mower, he had a smile on his face. When done, he’d always ask anyone around “doesn’t the yard look nice”? Ernie had a brilliant mind and there was always something to be fixed, another project on his list, and never enough time to get everything done. He was the kind of father who would help his kids whenever an emergency came up in their house or with their cars and you didn’t stop working (not even to eat) until the job was done.

Ernie leaves a huge hole in the lives of his family, especially Charlene, who lost a piece of her heart. He will be forever missed by his family and friends, including 8 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

The family invites those who want to celebrate Ernie's life to visitation services at Dykstra Funeral Home- Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street in Holland, Michigan on Thursday, August 15th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and Friday, August 16th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be a service Saturday, August 17, at 12:00pm with a 1 hour visitation prior. There will be a small luncheon following the service.

In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to Tunnel to Towers, which assists wounded veterans and first responders.