Ernest "Ernie" E Gronroos

Ernest “Ernie” E. Gronroos passed away April 2, 2017 in Superior from complications of a stroke that he suffered on March 17th. He was 91.5 years old, born September 26, 1925. He called his age the “ancient age” and joked about how old he was getting.

Ernest always had a sense of humor and was always pleasant, never speaking an angry word about anyone except for politicians. He loved chopping wood to keep the home warm and the sauna hot. He and wife Sigrid gardened and often traveled to Florida for the winters. Ernest was a long-time merchant marine for U.S. Steel, serving as first mate on several Great Lakes ships. He worked for more than 35 years “on the boats,” retiring some time in the late 1970's. He always brought the ship to port safely through all kinds of weather and served with distinction. He lived on the family farm on Maki Road in Bennett up until 2013 when he moved to Northern Residence, an assisted living home in Hawthorne. He always said, “they treat me like royalty here,” and indeed they did. The family is grateful for the many welcomes we received when visiting Grandpa. Your coffee and treats were always good. We know you really loved Grandpa too.

Ernest lost his wife Sigrid in 2013 after 55 years of marriage. Sigrid had two sons, David and Rudy Tikkanen. David passed away December 2007. Rudy lives out of the area. Ernest has several nieces and nephews and a sister in law, Susie Brundage in St. Augustine, FL. Ernest had five brothers and one sister who have predeceased him. Several relatives are buried in the Bennett Cemetery with his parents.

His 95 year old sister, Irene Gunderson, survives Ernest. She was able to visit Ernest before his death, hold his hand and talk some Finn to him. Monica Tikkanen, daughter in law, and her children Kyle Tikkanen and Allison Conley along with their families plan a memorial service on Saturday, April 29th in the home of Monica Tikkanen at 2605 Pennsylvania Avenue in Superior, WI from 11:00 -2:00 P M. Visitors, please enter the Pennsylvania address from 28th Street in Superior. A luncheon will be served. Come to meet us and see Ernie's great-grandchildren ranging from 13 to 4 years old. He liked to play Bingo at Northern Residence to win quarters for his grandson Keagan, age 6. In 2015, five year old grandson Alistair Jay Conley passed away on Halloween night. Pa said “it should have been me.”

The family appreciates the services of St. Lukes ER, ICU and Hospice care. In keeping with Ernest's wishes, Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is helping the family bring Ernest to his final resting place at the Bennett Cemetery where he will be reunited with his wife and family in spirit. May they all rest in peace as they remember their Finn days and always—the Sauna! We will miss you Grandpa.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com .