Ernest E. Jelinek

Ernest E. Jelinek, 104, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in his home in Sarasota, Florida.

He was born in Three Oaks, Michigan, on September 1, 1919, to Joseph and Anna (Kulka) Jelinek. 

Ernest graduated from Three Oaks High School in 1937.  He and his two brothers, John and Edward started Jelinek Brothers Farm and Jelinek Brothers Dairy in New Buffalo.

In 1941, Ernie was drafted into the US Army where he became a Captain and served under General George Patton. As a member of the 5th Armored Division, he landed on Utah Beach on D-Day.

Ernie came home in 1945 and was recalled to service for the Korean War in October 1950 and was discharged in March 1952.

He joined the Bank of Three Oaks and served there as vice president for nineteen years.  In 1964, he became co-owner of the PEMCO Die Casting Corporation and retired in 1975.

In 1945, Ernie married his childhood sweetheart Geraldine Sobotka, and they enjoyed sixty-five years of devoted marriage until her death in 2011.  They made their home in Lakeside, Michigan until moving to Sarasota, Florida.

Ernie was an avid golfer, served several years as a director and treasurer of the Berrien County Youth Fair, a founding member of the Lakeshore Rotary and was involved in farming operations with his brother Ed until their retirement.

He was proceeded in death by his wife; his parents; his two brothers, John Jelinek, Edward Jelinek; and one nephew John Jelinek.

He is survived by nieces, Nancy Riemann of Wamego, Kansas, Amy (Bob) Grey of South Bend, Indiana; nephews Jim (Teddie) Jelinek of New Buffalo, Ron (Dianne) Jelinek, and Tom (Marilyn) Jelinek of Three Oaks.

Family and friends will gather for a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Three Oaks.

Memorials may be made to the Berrien County Youth Fair Post Office Box 7, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103.

Inurnment arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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