Ervin Joseph Destree

Ervin Joseph Destree

Green Bay - Ervin Joseph Destree, 95, of Green Bay, went to his eternal heavenly home peacefully with family at his bedside on July 14, 2021. Ervin was born on April 23, 1926, in Kewaunee County to parents Jule and Ida Destree. He was the second oldest of seven children.

Ervin graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1944. He was not eligible to serve in the WW II military forces due to poor vision in one eye. During high school he began a part time job as a painter for the Kewaunee Shipyards. The skill learned in this job was the foundation for his chosen life-long career as a tradesman in painting. Upon graduation he took an interesting, unique job with a company that traveled throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan specializing in painting the interiors of churches. He became very skilled at the application of gold leaf to ornate features in these old churches.

On June 2, 1951, he married Audrey Mildred Salentine from Luxemburg, WI. They settled in Green Bay and became lifelong residents. He had an entrepreneurial spirit which moved him to establish his own painting company, shortly after he was married. He owned and operated his company known as E. J. Destree Painting Inc from the early 50's until his retirement. He offered both commercial and residential painting, wallpapering, and decorating services. He had the reputation as an ethical tradesman with an expert eye for recommending paint colors and matching existing wood stain colors.

As a couple, Ervin and Audrey enjoyed square dancing and bowling clubs. As a family, they took a liking to camping at WI state campgrounds and beyond. Ervin was a lifelong history buff. He and Audrey took the family on many trips to museums and other places of historical interest. Throughout his retirement years, he loved watching the History and National Geographic channels. Once retired, Ervin and Audrey were able to do more traveling throughout the US. Together they were able to fulfill a lifelong wish to visit Alaska.

Both Ervin and Audrey were faithful Christians that raised their six children with values found in a Biblical world view. They modeled these Biblical values by providing a home atmosphere in which we felt safe and loved. We are an imperfect family, but in gathering thoughts from all the children, collectively we hold very fond memories of our formative years. These are some thoughts that each child shared as a treasured nugget that our parents left as their legacy to us:

Have a strong work ethic - go above and beyond to finish a work assignment - this will help you gain a reputation as an excellent employee. Tell the truth and choose to live rightly not wrongly. Pay attention to the needs of those suffering around you, do something to help alleviate their pain. Give of your personal resources of time or material goods even when it is not convenient. Encourage others with your words and actions. Develop a faith in Jesus Christ to help you journey through all the challenges of this earthly life.

Survivors include Children: Robert (Ken) Destree; Richard Destree (special friend Sharon Cline); Mary (Clay) Froelich; all Green Bay: Mark (Jeff Schafer) Destree; Seattle WA; Sharon (Kent) Mathy, Chicago, IL; John Destree of Green Bay. Grandchildren: Sarah, Ross, Lauren, Natalie, Courtney, Bethany, Andrew. Great- grand-children: Nate, Clare, Brinley, Emma, Liam, Callie. Sibling: Cheryl (Ervin Sinkula); sisters in law: Delores (Norman) Destree; Marcy (Clifford) Pelnar; brother-in-law: Earl (Mary Lou) Wagner.

In 2012, Ervin was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Audrey. Others preceding him in death were siblings: Lillian Albert; Norman Destree; Mary Ann Spude; Mary Lou Wagner; Clifford Destree.

Visitation at Malcore East Funeral Home. University Ave at Baird Street, Green Bay. Monday, July 19th from 4 pm - 7 pm. On Tuesday, July 20th visitation will continue at St Bernard's Church, 2040 Hillside Lane from 10:00 am until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, with Rev. Mark Vandersteeg officiating. Entombment at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Family requests a modified social distancing protocol: no hugging by friends or family. No masking policy is in effect.