Basil Ernest Kish

B. Ernest Kish, 81, of Grand Beach, MI died Sunday May 24, 2009 at LaPorte Hospital. Friends may call Wednesday from 5:00- 8:00 EST at Sommerfeld-Smith Family Funeral Home, 15 North Barton St., New Buffalo, MI. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 AM EST Thursday, May 28, at the funeral home, with Rev. Brad Bartelmay officiating. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 24 South Whittaker, New Buffalo, MI 49117. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence or to sign the family guestbook may do so at www.sommerfeld-smith.com. Ernie was born December 3, 1927, in East Chicago, IN to Louis and Mary (Reptka) Kish. He served his country in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. On June 23rd, 1956 he married the former June Cottingham in Michigan City, IN. While attending Indiana University majoring in accounting he worked as a salesman. He owned his own vacuum cleaner business in LaPorte, IN. After retiring in 1998 from AM-Lyn Products he continued to provide service to some of his customers, plus keeping family and friends vacuum cleaners repaired. He was a member of the Masons, belonging to the Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend and Orak Temple in Michigan City, IN. He was an avid fisherman and a White Sox Fan, enjoyed Big Bands music, and spending winters in Florida, but his first love was his family. He enjoyed attending church, school, and sporting events with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife June of Grand Beach; three daughters Denise (Dave) Sheeler of Michigan City, IN, Donna (Floyd) Buckner of New Buffalo, MI, Delynn (Jack) Campbell of Portage, MI, six grandchildren and one great grandson; one sister Rosemary (Frank) Miller of Merrillville, IN.