Ernest Fruehauf

Ernest Fruehauf, aged 95, of Deerfield, Illinois, and formerly of Munster, Indiana, passed away peacefully from natural causes on January 4th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 24, 1929, in Würzburg, Germany, Ernest spent his early years in Kitzingen, Bavaria, before escaping the horrors of Nazi Germany at the age of 12. He arrived in the United States in August 1941 with his parents, Gustav and Erna Fruehauf (z"l), and his siblings, Norbert (z"l) and Hannah (z"l). The family settled in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Ernest's resilience, scholarship, altruism, and community devotion began shaping a remarkable life in his adopted land of the free.

A gifted student, Ernest earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, launching a 37-year career as an engineer and supervisor at the Standard/Amoco Oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Ursula David, on Christmas Eve 1952. Together, Ernest and Ursula raised their three daughters-Ruth; Naomi (z"l) (Barry Weiss; Chaim Cohen [z"l], div.); and Ora (Joseph) Fisher-instilling in them the values of integrity, education, and the importance of Israel and the Jewish community. They made their home in Chicago and then Munster, Indiana, eventually retiring to Gidwitz Place in Deerfield in 2017. Ernest and Ursula's marriage of 71 years is a testament to unwavering devotion, shared values, and an enduring love that enriched not only their lives but also the lives of all who knew them.

A pillar of his community, Ernest was a man of deep faith, generosity, and mitzvot (good deeds). His moral compass never wavered, and he led by example-always with a sense of humor-in all aspects of his life. Judaism was at the heart of his identity, and he dedicated himself to lifelong learning and serving as a mentor to many–a true leader who gave selflessly to serve those around him. He was an active member of his synagogue, attending and driving others to morning minyan, reciting the mourner's Kaddish on behalf of community members, teaching Hebrew school, singing in the choir, and serving as both synagogue president and religious director. Also central to his life's mission were the decades of volunteering to educate students of all ages on his experience during the Holocaust and the dangers of hatred.

Ernest was a true Renaissance man-deeply knowledgeable and skilled in science, history, Judaism, art, calligraphy, music, opera, philately, gardening and home improvement, photography, trains and railroads, and, of course, the Green Bay Packers. His passion for learning never faded, nor did his appreciation for meaningful conversation. Whether discussing the intricacies of the Torah and its teachings, reflecting on history and current events, or authoring birthday cards with a poem, he engaged with the world thoughtfully and with great curiosity, wit, and creativity.

Above all, Ernest was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His kindness, humility, and wisdom left an indelible mark on his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He cherished his role as a grandfather, and just as he adored his own grandfather, his grandchildren have endless adoration and gratitude for him and the active role he played in their lives.

Ernest retired in 1989 to spend more time with his grandchildren, and he was arguably busier in retirement than during his working years. In addition to volunteering in the community, he loved to travel domestically and abroad-taking trips to Israel, going on road trips, attending intergenerational elder-hostels, and visiting museums with his grandchildren. He celebrated Jewish holidays to the fullest, with his favorites being Sukkot and Passover, as well as every family milestone calling for a sponsored kiddush luncheon.

Preceded in passing by his second daughter, Naomi (z"l), he leaves behind his beloved wife, Ursula; daughters Ruth and Ora; five grandchildren-Adam (Lindsay) Cohen, Daniel Cohen, Alexandra Cohen (Omri Markovich), Ellie Fisher, and Sam Fisher; and four great-grandsons-Asher and Pace Cohen, and Aviv and Noam Markovich.

Ernest's legacy and memory will remain a blessing to all the lives he touched. He made the world a better place.

"A continuous fire shall burn on the altar. It shall not be extinguished." -from Parshat Tzav, Ernest's Bar Mitzvah Torah portion

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Funeral services will be held at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home in Wilmette, Illinois at 11am CST on Tuesday, January 7th (a livestream will be available at https://www.asimplestreaming.com/efruehauf), followed by a graveside service at Oakridge Jewish Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center (ilholocaustmuseum.org)

Moriah Congregation (moriahcong.org)