Ernest Fritschi, 89, died Nov. 27, 2015, at 11:45 p.m., at Richland Manor, Bluffton.

Ernest was born Oct. 18, 1926, in Reigoldswil, Canton Basel, Switzerland to Ernst and Hulda (Kleiber) Fritschi who preceded him in death. On Nov. 11, 1955 he married Ruth Winkleman Fritschi who preceded him in death on Aug. 15, 2015.

Ernest had worked as an auto mechanic and later retired from the Lima Ford Engine Plant.  

In Switzerland he helped his father in their lumber mill.  After high school he worked as a tour bus and delivery driver. In his younger days he enjoyed skiing and riding his motorcycle through the Alps.  He served in the Swiss Army Motorcycle Corps before coming to the U.S. in 1950.  Ernest became a naturalized citizen Sept. 26, 1975. 

Survivors include: son, John Fritschi of Hampton, Va., sister, Kathi (Franz) Manser of Castel San Pietro, Ticino, Switzerland.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa C. Fritschi, and a brother, Paul Fritschi.

Services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton. Rev. Jeremy Mann to officiate the service. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Beaverdam following the service.

Friends may call Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Bluffton

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Condolences may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com