Ernest "Ernie" Luster

Ernest Joseph “Ernie” Luster, 87, of Lansing died Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Gundersen Health Systems, La Crosse, WI. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, November 18 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing. The Rev. John Moser was the celebrant. Burial followed the service in Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing with military honors.

Ernie was born March 4, 1930 in Harpers Ferry to John and Loella (Schellsmidt) Luster. Ernie graduated from Harpers Ferry High School with the Class of 1948.

Following high school, Ernie worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for a time. He served his country honorably during the Korean War from 1951-1953. Following his time in the military, he helped build the IGA in Lansing. Ernie worked for the United States Postal Service for many years and was the Postmaster in Marquette until his retirement in 1995.

Ernie enjoyed fishing, playing cards and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, attaining the Fourth Degree, as well as a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, along with the Lansing VFW and the Harpers Ferry American Legion. He was a charter member of the Lansing Lions Club and was the first person to provide a transport for the club’s volunteer ambulance service.

Survivors include his wife, Alice Luster of Lansing; five children: Mary Carpenter of Manhattan, NY, Jean (Carl) Ruzich of Beecher, IL, Dennis (Kate) Luster of Rockford, IL, Bruce (Kathy) Luster of Frisco, TX and Sara (Juan Carlos) Meza of Ponte Vedra, FL; a daughter-in-law, Carol Luster of East Lansing, MI; 11 grandchildren: Amy, Anna, Ben, Kristen, Lisa, Elizabeth, Olivia, Emma, Maggie, Annie and Jack; six great-grandchildren: Zachary, Brittany, Kyle, Lindsey, Cole and Annalyn; a sister-in-law, Connie Luster; six siblings: Clarence (Kay) Luster, John (Joyce) Luster, Charles Luster, Madonna (James) Rouiller, Helen (Richard)Hanesworth and Charlotte (Glenn) Monroe; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Loella Luster; one son, Dr. Thomas Luster; one grandson, Kevin Carpenter; four siblings: Harland Luster, Mary Kane, Myrtle Spinner and James Luster; and in-laws, Rita Luster, Neil Kane, Donald Spinner and Virginia Luster.

Condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing is assisting the family with arrangements.