Ernest William Rudlaff

Ernest William Rudlaff, 79, of Berrien Springs, MI passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Hanson Hospice Center – Stevensville, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Chapel in Berrien Springs. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 3, 2016, at Heritage Chapel, 8747 US 31 in Berrien Springs with Pastor Douglas Adams of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Friends may visit from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Heritage Chapel before the service.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hanson Hospice Center.  Those wishing to share a memory of Ernest online may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com Ernest was born January 29, 1937 in Oronoko Township, MI to Carl and Augusta (Hebner) Rudlaff. He proudly served in the United States Army from April 1957 to April 1963.  For a time he was stationed in Alaska before it became a state.  Ernest retired from Premier Tool & Die in Berrien Springs.  He enjoyed competitive bowling, playing euchre, camping and supporting the Detroit Tigers.  Ernest’s favorite pastime, however, was fishing.  He always had a fish story to share with family and friends.  The last 18 years of his life he spent with his life’s last love, Gladys Hamilton of Benton Harbor. Ernest is survived by two daughters Donna (Doug) Davis of Niles, MI, and Brenda Reha of Nunica, MI,; two sons Brian (Heather) Rudlaff of Buchanan, MI, and Dale (Barb) Rudlaff of Berrien Springs, MI,; three sisters Matilda Sonnenberg of Sawyer, MI, Ruth Ellis of Port Charlotte, FL, and Clara Hamilton of St. Joseph, MI,; two brothers Robert Rudlaff of Berrien Springs, MI, and John Rudlaff of Tallahassee, FL; his love – Gladys Hamilton of Benton Harbor, MI, and “special” granddaughter Victoria Barnes of Benton Harbor, MI. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers Art, Fred, Herb, Herman and Walter.