Ernie E. Fanta, age 91 years, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at the Serenity House in Tomah.
He was born on February 22, 1935 in the Town of Greenwood, Vernon County, Wisconsin, the son of Emil and Helen (Picha) Fanta. Ernie attended Staley and Debello Schools and graduated from the Hillsboro High School in 1953.
Ernie was united in marriage to Karen Shaker on August 3, 1957 at the First Congregational Church in Hillsboro.
They were farmers in the Town of Greenwood for many years until they moved into Hillsboro following retirement.
Ernie loved farming and milking the cows and in his younger years he enjoyed playing softball. Karen and Ernie enjoyed dancing and listening to polkas and old-time music and often traveled. Playing cards and dominoes along with visiting family, friends and neighbors were also important.
Ernie was the biggest Roy Rogers fan, made a lot of firewood and often was involved with woodworking projects. He also enjoyed spending his time with grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Karen Fanta; son, Michael (Christina) Fanta; daughter, Shari (Eden) Effert Fanta; grandsons, Nicholas (Airika) Fanta, Jedediah (Destiny) Fanta and Jonathan Fanta; great grandchildren, Lucille, Harold, Lillian, Sofia, Genevieve, Aurora and Madelynn; sister-in-law, Mary Fanta; niece, Kathryn Fanta, nephew, Allan (Sharla) Fanta and sister-in-law, Laurene (Donald) Birdd and family, Richard (Maura) Birdd and Juleanne (John) Crumley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Helen Fanta; brother, Elgin Fanta and in-laws, Albin and Jean Shaker.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro, with Pastor Thomas Hotek officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
Picha Funeral Home
