ERNEST CROWDER

Ernest “Ernie” Crowder, 87, of Lake Michigan Beach died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Borgess Ascension Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Services celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Florin Funeral Service & Cremation Service in Fairplain with Rev. Billy Long officiating. Burial will follow the service at North Shore Memory Gardens where Military Rites will be held. The visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the Fairplain Chapel with Masonic Rites being held at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to the donors’ choice in memory of Ernie. Please share messages or memories at www.florin.net.

Ernie was born on Feb. 23, 1938, in Dyer County TN to John and Mattie Crowder. He graduated from Watervliet High School. Ernie was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the Coloma American Legion.

He married his wife, Linda Smith, and together they had 53 years of marriage. Ernie was also active in the Lake Shore Masonic Lodge #298. He worked at Menasha Corporation for many years of employment. Ernie retired from Menasha in 2002. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and loved to go to the local casinos. Ernie will be missed by his family and friends.

His family includes his wife, Linda; and his many other family members and friends. He was preceded by his parents; two brothers, Edward and Alvin; and his two sisters, Mary Frances Boone and Louise Scroggs.