Ernest Lewis Star

Ernest Lewis Star was born on November 8, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Libert and Esther Star. He had one older brother, Eugene. During the Great Depression his family moved to Los Angeles, where his father found employment as a master chef and later opened his own music store. Ernie served in the Navy during the Korean War and married his neighborhood sweetheart Elisabeth Holz ("Betty") in 1952. During his early career he worked for a trucking company that delivered vehicles from the Van Nuys General Motors plant, but eventually started Tempco Engineering, a machined parts manufacturing business, with his brother-in-law Peter Holz. Ernie was responsible for the administrative side of the operation. His business approach and ideals reflected his accounting background. In 2001 Ernie and Pete sold the business and retired. Ernie was a natural musician and learned at an early age to play trumpet, trombone, piano, accordion, mandolin, and other instruments. In high school and college he had a swing band that played for local dances and USOs. Several well known Hollywood musicians and composers had their start with that band however Ernie's musical career took a different path when he performed with a polka band on a local TV station. He enjoyed that type of music and later became a member of another polka band, The Cavaliers, and made several recordings. He taught his children and grandchildren a love for music, and all learned to play instruments. His legacy not only continues in his music and business accomplishments, but also in what he inspired in those who worked with him and knew him. His unique style of humor showed his special approach to meeting the challenges of life. He espoused the values of organization, communication and hard work. He professed discovery, exploration and creativity. And he recognized the value of faith, love, and charity. Those who learned from his values received life-long gifts beyond value. In April, 2013, Ernie suffered a medical condition which greatly weakened his heart and lungs and left him bedridden. While the family was hoping that he would recover, his condition gradually worsened and Ernie passed away on September 3, 2013. Ernie is survived by his wife, Betty; his son Ernie R. Star and his wife Eva; his daughter Linda Zoettl and her husband Herbert; his grandchildren Kurt Star and his wife Lisa, Christopher Zoettl and his wife Barbara, Kristina Star, Patrick Zoettl, and Clifton Star; and his great-granddaughter Veronika Zoettl. A note about his family name: Ernie's father came from Trieste which belonged to or was influenced at various times by Austria, Slovenia and Italy. The family was known over the years by the last name of Sesek (Austrian/Slovenian) or Sessi (Italian). When Ernie's father became a naturalized US citizen, he changed his last name to Star.