Ernest J. Agruda

Ernest “Ernie” Agruda, 77, a lifelong resident of the Traverse City area, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
He was born on August 7, 1948, in Cheboygan, Michigan to Irineo Agruda and Veronica (later Aeschliman) Agruda.
Ernie was witty, kind, and almost always smiling. He had an easy way about him that made people feel comfortable and welcome, whether they had known him for years or had just met him. He met people exactly where they were, listened without judgment, and had a gift for making others feel seen, valued, and understood. Many who crossed his path came away not just knowing Ernie but feeling like they had gained a friend and an ally.
Music was the steady current running through Ernie’s life. In the late 1960s, he sang and played guitar with the beloved local band, The Rainmakers, who were well known throughout Traverse City and Northern Michigan. Even decades later, there is a special nostalgia when people talk about Ernie and The Rainmakers – a name that still brings smiles and stories. From those early days with The Rainmakers, to leading music at church, picking with a bluegrass group, and most recently playing alongside a former Rainmaker bandmate at the GT House of Prayer, Ernie’s life was always accompanied by song.
His humor was quick and witty – never sharp, never unkind – and it was usually paired with that familiar smile and wink. He had a quiet, thoughtful presence, noticing even the smallest details and making sure everyone felt included. Wherever he went, laughter and genuine connection naturally followed.
Ernie served his country in the United States Army and, after completing his service, returned home to Traverse City. He soon married the love of his life, LaVonne, and together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and community. They celebrated 50 years of marriage this past May, a milestone that reflected a partnership grounded in love, devotion, and shared joy.
Following his return home, Ernie joined IBEW Local 498, where he worked as a dedicated electrician for many years until his well-earned retirement. He took pride in the life he and LaVonne built together.
Above all else, Ernie was a deeply present and devoted family man. He was the beloved husband of LaVonne; a devoted father to Nicole (Elijah) Kapala, Lindsey Agruda, Alicia Agruda, and Ryan (Heather) Agruda; and a cherished “Papa” to his four granddaughters, Harper, Avery, Priscilla, and Felicity. Being his child or grandchild was a true gift—one marked by unwavering support, encouragement, and love.
Ernie showed up. He supported every musical adventure, from piano to flute to saxophone and clarinet. He coached Odyssey of the Mind, attended countless games—basketball, volleyball, football, tennis and soccer—and cheered faithfully for the Elk Rapids Elks. As a dad he cheered just as enthusiastically for the cheerleading squads and dance teams, the marching band, and never missed a chance to support theater performances. As a Papa, he was there for dance recitals, music concerts, and various sporting events year after year, always present, always proud.
Ernie is also survived by his siblings, Christina Agruda; Linda Olney; and Andre (Kathy) Agruda; as well as many nieces and nephews, and countless friends—many of whom first knew him through music, and all of whom will miss his kindness, humor, and warm spirit.
He was preceded in death by his father, Irineo Agruda; his mother, Veronica Aeschliman; his stepfather, Harold “Doc” Aeschliman; his brother, Randy Agruda; his stepbrother, Ron Aeschliman; and his stepsister, Connie Aeschliman. He was also preceded in death by members of his wife’s family, including his father-in-law, Burrell Rushing; his mother-in-law, Betty Rushing; his brother-in-law, Richard Rushing; his sister-in-law, Sharon Keefer; and his nephew, Brian Keefer.
A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Mill Pond Event Center in Kalkaska, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Ernie by sharing a song with someone you love, supporting local live music, or donating to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (netrf.org).