Ernest "Ernie" Brusubardis II

Ernest "Ernie" Brusubardis II obituary, Shorewood, WI

Ernest "Ernie" Brusubardis II

Ernest Brusubardis Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Northshore Funeral Services - Shorewood on May 28, 2025.

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Ernest ("Ernie") Brusubardis II died on May 24, 2025 in Milwaukee at the age of 83 surrounded by family. In his final hours, he was surrounded by his family's love and music, a fitting coda to a life filled with both. Ernie was a gifted pianist, composer, conductor, and choir director and a teacher to thousands of students over the course of a 70-year career. He was born in Annuzi, Latvia but left with his family during World War II and lived in Displaced Persons camps in Germany until they emigrated to the United States in 1951. It was on the ship across the Atlantic where Ernie played one of his earliest concerts. The family settled in Milwaukee and Ernie lived there for the rest of his life.
Ernie's ability and work ethic were recognized from adolescence, and he accompanied groups at his high school, played as a featured soloist in area concerts and internationally in the Latvian community. He earned a place at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, where he received bachelor's and master's degrees in piano performance. Following in his father's footsteps, he conducted the Brusubardas Dzimtenes Latvian Choir. Days before Ernie's death, the choir honored him for 70 years of involvement, including 65 as a conductor.
Classically trained, Ernie was also a gifted jazz musician. Long-time Milwaukee residents have almost certainly encountered Ernie's music at local museums, weddings, company events, parties, and festivals. He loved playing live with The Ernie Brusubardis Band, - a collection of talented players who double as some of Ernie's closest friends.
Ernie married Rosemarie Kursietis in 1962 and together had four children in 25 years of marriage. In 1992, he married Margaret Crowley, and they spent the next 33 years deeply in love. During that time, he acted as a second father to Margaret's two children.
He loved the Green Bay Packers, cool cars, and making people laugh - which he did constantly. Ernie's music and family are his legacy. He was immensely proud of all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Brusubardis Sr. and Erna Ozolins Brusubardis; his brother, John Brusubardis, and John's wife, Virginia Brusubardis; his brother-in-law Samuel Migliaccio, and his niece, Lara Brusubardis.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Crowley; his sister, Lidija Migliaccio; and his children: Ernest Brusubardis III and his wife, Indra Brusubardis; Theodore Williams-Brusubardis and his wife, Karen Williams-Brusubardis; Alex Brusubardis and his wife, Kathryn Brusubardis; Rebecca Brusubardis and her partner Michael Weix; Diane Reis and her husband, Alex Boquist; and Patrick Reis and his wife, Lindsay Monaghan.
He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Ernest Brusubardis IV and his wife, Stephanie Brusubardis; Kristian Brusubardis; Viktor Brusubardis; Sonora Brusubardis; Daniella Brusubardis Smith and her husband, Riley Smith; Arianna Brusubardis Grace and her husband, Toby Grace; Aidan Williams-Brusubardis; Emrys Williams-Brusubardis; Wolfgang Brusubardis; Vigo Brusubardis; Kosette Brusubardis; Angelika Heyse and her husband Ezekiel Heyse I; James Minor; Alyssa Minor; Annika Boquist; and Mattias Boquist.
He is further survived by his great-grandchildren: Violet Brusubardis; Ernest Brusubardis V; Ezra Smith; Evelyn Heyse; and Ezekiel Heyse II.
He is also remembered by his nephew, Jonathan Roberts, along with Jonathan's wife Kristina Roberts and their children, Lidija Roberts and Lara Roberts. He's further remembered by former wife Rosemarie Kursietis and former son-in-law Dan Minor.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Latvian Lutheran Church, the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Ernest Brusubardis's Guest Book

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June 6, 2025

Alex Cain posted to the memorial.

June 2, 2025

Julia Holtze posted to the memorial.

May 30, 2025

Phillip Schoeller posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Alex Cain

June 6, 2025

I have been fond memories of hearing Ernie play the piano at the Milwaukee Art Museum, it completed the whole experience. His spirit and joy resonated through the corridors and gallery spaces. Thinking of him is still an inspiration. He seems to have created a picture-perfect life for himself. Well done, Mr. Brusubardis!

Julia Holtze

June 2, 2025

Hello Ernest Brusabardis family -- We were so saddened to hear of Ernest's passing. He was a musical friend of my father's, George Huhnke, and my father greatly respected Ernie's abilities as a musician. I discovered Ernie's obituary when I was searching for his address to thank him for the donation he made to the Milwaukee Choristers in honor of my dad, who passed away on May 2, 2025. How kind and generous of Ernest to make a donation in his final weeks. I can only imagine the joy the two of them are bringing as they add beautiful music to Heaven's choir.

We will continue to listen to Ernie's CDs and be blessed by his music for years to come. Blessings and peace to you all.

Phillip Schoeller

May 30, 2025

Ernie will be missed by the entire Milwaukee community. He will be missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to work for him. His talent as a musician and a music leader inspired us to play better and work harder. Play on, Ernie. Many people are anxious to work with you.

Gloria Rozmus

May 30, 2025

I've been at MAM for the past 25 years, and I will always remember the wonderful music played at our docent luncheon and at other events. So sorry to hear that the man behind the music is gone, but I know and look forward to beautiful music at future MAM functions. All best to the Brusubardis family.
Gloria Rozmus

Bonnie Elliott

May 29, 2025

Dear Margaret Crowley,
I remember you so fondly from you having taught my boys at McKinley many many years ago. I was their foster Mom back then and since became Mom (BOMBIE) legally. You might even remember Lio, Lorenzo and Sam Ruiz. You were kind to us! Accept our condolences, Margaret, and our love. Bonnie

Mary Ladky

May 29, 2025

I trace my love of chorale music and singing in choirs back to time spent with Mr. Brusubardis at University School of Milwaukee. He was one of those rare teachers - full of enthusiasm for his work - who made all students feel they had something to offer. That's a special gift.

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3601 North Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211

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Sign Ernest Brusubardis's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 6, 2025

Alex Cain posted to the memorial.

June 2, 2025

Julia Holtze posted to the memorial.

May 30, 2025

Phillip Schoeller posted to the memorial.