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Date Created: 07/09/2021
Last Updated: 07/15/2021

In loving memory of Ernie Landwehr
8/8/1967 - 6/28/2021

Location: Yuma, Arizona

Visits: 40,230

This memorial was created in honor of Ernest "Ernie" Landwehr of Yuma, Arizona. Ernest was born on August 8, 1967 in Kansas and passed on June 28, 2021. Ernest was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all friends and family.

 
 
 
 

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From: Shelley Pearson Saturday, August 7, 2021
Vicki,

There are simply no words to express how my heart breaks for you during this time. Your father was a cherished friend of mine. Working with him was a pleasure but having him as my friend was a blessing. I have been devastated since hearing this news so I can only begin to imagine how you are processing everything.

Your father was so many wonderful things. Kind. Funny. Smart. Thoughtful. Considerate. Most of all proud. Of you. I have never met you, but your dad shared so many stories about you that I feel like I know you a bit. We would talk about your pictures at his desk. Conversations you would have. Your goals and ambitions. He would completely light up when talking about you.

Sitting next to your dad at work made work fun – if that is possible. ?? He was so quiet at first. Would only speak when spoken to. I was determined to get him out of his shell though. I was persistent and quickly realized the way to make him talk was you. Once he felt comfortable there was not a day he did not make me laugh or accuse him of making “that” story up or even make me wonder where the heck he grew up to have so many out of this world stories. When your dad told a story the whole department would stop what they were doing to listen. He had a presence about him that drew people in. Made them feel comfortable. Safe. Liked.

Unfortunately, I never was able to meet Nancy, but I can imagine how excited they were to be on their way to see you.

My world is a darker place without your dad in it. I do know, from everything he told me about you, that he will live on in you. That a piece of him is still here. I am so grateful for that.

Vicki, you are in my prayers.


My deepest sympathies – Shelley


From: Jade Szu Saturday, August 7, 2021
Just wanted to write a little something for Ernie's birthday. To say that I have been thinking about Ernie a lot in the last six weeks would be an understatement. I often replay all the funny moments we shared over and over again in my head.

I worked with Ernie at CFS for 3 years. Ernie was supposedly really quiet when he first started working there (according to others' observation, since he worked there before me). But once Ernie opened up, it's like he's a volcano and you cannot stop him. You never know what will come out of his mouth. Although I am probably the only person who believed everything he said, and always asked him " really??" to all his crazy stories. Then he would kind of smirk and chuckle.

A few years ago when I found out August 8th was his birthday. I excitedly told him that August 8th is Father's Day in Taiwan. And told him that meant he was always going to be a great father. He had this biggest grin on his face. He told me about this Hai Karate cologne (I forgot what we were talking about, but I am sure it went like he mentioned something like, "What ?? You don't know what Hai Karate is?!). I was trying to tell him that I am sure that cologne was before my time. So as a birthday gift, since I couldn't find Hai Karate anywhere, I bought a drug store cologne and printed label online, then gave him the "Hai Karate" cologne as a gift. He seemed pretty amazed with all the efforts I put in creating his gift.

Happy birthday and Happy Father's Day Ernie <3 Until we meet again <3


From: Brenda Payne Friday, July 16, 2021
Ernie is 11 months and 3 weeks older than me so because of our closeness in age we had a special bond growing up. I will always remember the laughter and shenanigans of our childhood. But I also remember the remarkable man he grew up to be. I want to share a really short story from about 7 years ago when Ernie was visiting colorado. We were in the car with my 6 kids ranging in age from 4-13. If you’ve met my kids then you know how loud it was in that car! Ernie turned around and said with a grin, “I’ll give 5 bucks to whoever stays quiet the longest!” He got to enjoy 3 or 4 minutes of peace. And yes, he paid Maddie the 5 bucks. Although it is a simple memory, it reminds me of many of Ernie’s special qualities. You see, he took time out of his schedule and made a special trip to Colorado at that time to be a sponsor for my son’s confirmation. Ernie loved God and was a true Christian. The reference to money reminds me of his entrepreneurial spirit and his success in his finance career. Many people may not realize how successful he was because he did not brag. Ernie was humble. Material things were not important to him, he put more value on the experiences money could buy--like a few minutes of peace and quiet! Finally, the memory brings to mind how good he was with his 15 nieces and nephews. He was patient with them. He never hesitated to share his expertise with them whether that meant teaching Ally to bat or advising them on how to invest in their high school stock market game. Kids loved him! Ernie would always give them a “smack down” and they would squeal with laughter as he threw them in the air or down on the couch. We’ll miss the man who always had a funny line, who loved family, and who had an unselfish and humble heart.


From: Douglas Landwehr Friday, July 16, 2021
I was always the pesky little brother that was too young to keep up with his older brother until Ernie returned home from his stint in the Army during my junior year of high school. I was now old enough that the 3 year age difference did not matter. We bonded by lifting weights together 3-4 times a week for the next year and half in an effort to overcome our skinny genetics. As we grew stronger, our friendship grew stronger as we shared stories, dreams, goals and struggles during our lifting sessions. We would go on food runs after eating dinner in hopes of making gains but also just to talk. We would hang out some weekends in search of girls and trouble but mostly just cementing our brotherly bond. I have some stories but those are best saved for another time. Looking back on those conversations, I can tell you that even though the road may have been different than he had imagined Ernie achieved the things that he dreamed of like raising a great kid in Vicki Ann, finding true love with Nancy, being successful and probably what he thought was the most important thing at the time - being the toughest guy in most rooms. After that year and half, I was off to the Marines and Ernie would go on to finish college and move. We were never again as close as that short period of time but I always knew that if I ever needed help that I could make a call and my brother would be there. I think we always thought we had time after the kids got older, jobs weren’t so demanding or what now seems like numerous other stupid reasons, we could rekindle that bond and closeness. It turns out that you don’t always have the time so go out now and rekindle those relationships that have gotten a little rusty or go visit that special someone that you always think about but never quite make time to see. For me, I take comfort in knowing that Ernie will be saving the weight bench in heaven for me where we will throw the weights around and talk once again.


From: Laura Kerschen Friday, July 16, 2021
Laura's Portion of Eulogy (given 7/12/2021):

We would like to thank everyone for gathering with us today and offering continued love, support and prayers.

There is no arguing how horrific this ordeal is, or the fact that Ernie and Nancy were taken from us all too soon. We could sit around and talk about all the joys and celebrations that they will not be a part of now. We could cry bottomless tears knowing that we will not share the making of any more memories with them. But to quote a very wise woman, “Now is not the time to focus on what he will not get to be a part of, but what he did get to enjoy.” That’s mom, doing what she always does, putting aside her own grief and pain in order to comfort us. So we each just want to take a brief moment to share something about our brother that was special to us.

Most of you know that there are 5 of us kids, all within 5 years, so we were pretty close growing up. And “close” means we were competitive and loved and fought hard. As we grew up, we came to appreciate each of our own uniqueness's and strengths. So, even though distance kept us apart, the love we have for our brother is still intense.

By the way, I am Laura, the youngest of all of us. I like to say I am the favorite child, afterall, that’s why mom and dad stopped having kids, they had perfection. Ernie, however, had managed to become known as the Golden Child (this was actually only not a joke to Ernie). The rest of us had taken off in different directions, and he was left to solely take on the needs of our parents. He became their friend and companion. His generous heart and strong body was truly a help as the years passed. But the one thing I will forever cherish about my brother, the image I will always recall, are all the times I got him to roll his eyes and smirk. You see, Ernie loved to joke, he was pretty witty and could tell a tall tale. But when I got him to roll his eyes and smirk, I knew I had outwitted him. I had entertained the entertainer. Don’t worry Ernie, I intend to keep up the wit, the sarcasm and pranks, and I’ll do it all in your name.


From: Victoria Landwehr Thursday, July 15, 2021
My dad, Ernie Landwehr, always has been and will always remain the most important person in my life. As a single parent things can be rather difficult, but he always had time to be there for a loved one. He sacrificed so much to be there, and I know words cannot ever express how special our relationship was to me. One of my most beloved memories is our long walks together which inspired my love for hiking. He is an inspiration for much that I do in life just as he has inspired many others. We talked about many things on our walks, though if I was ever feeling bad then he would always be quick to lighten the mood with his jokes.

He always wanted to be a comedian and I think many of you would agree that he would have been great at it. But in all seriousness my dad has truly been my rock, and the only person in my corner who has had my back 100% as I’m sure he had for many of you as we all know he lived life with a fiery passion. I could probably spend days speaking about our memories, adventures, and his future plans but I don’t think Father Weldon would give me that kind of time.

What I can say is that he was the light of every room he walked into and warmed the hearts of everyone who knew him. He is most certainly the light of my life. He always had a funny story and a good joke, but at the end of the day he still left you with the best advice and wisdom. So in his footsteps, I wanted to leave with this poem that I read from one of his books when I was younger.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.


From: Victoria Landwehr Thursday, July 15, 2021
Ernest Landwehr (53) and his wife Nancy (46) of Yuma, Arizona were both tragically taken from us on June 28, 2021, in an auto collision involving a suspected impaired driver.
Ernie was born on August 8, 1967, to Michael and Victoria Landwehr in Wichita, KS. He was a prankster and told funny tall tales from the moment he learned to talk. He attended Bishop Carroll High School, served in the army, and then graduated from Wichita State University where he became a Shocker fanatic. Ernie and his Dad often talked about the WSU games during his weekly Sunday night calls to his parents. He enjoyed a successful career in finance, and during his time off he enjoyed fitness and competing in Jiu Jitsu and Grappling tournaments. He won multiple championships and received a samurai sword for his first place win in the 2017 California Grappling Championship. He was not only physically strong but was also a strong Catholic with tremendous inner strength and character. It took Ernie nearly his entire life to find his beautiful wife and soulmate. They married May 31, 2019 in Mexicali, Mexico and resided in Yuma, Arizona. It was easy to see how happy Nancy made Ernie, and how they were absolutely perfect for each other with their matching sense of adventure and sarcasm.
Ernie would say that his greatest accomplishment was his relationship with his daughter, Vicki Anne. He raised Vicki as a single father with sole custody, and they developed a very special and tight bond through nightly walks and talks, hiking, and traveling to new places and events. They had a truly envious father-daughter relationship. You can see Ernie’s easy smile and quick wit in his daughter. She is sure to carry on his legacy.
Ernie is survived by his daughter, Vicki Anne Landwehr and stepsons Manuel and Emiliano Guerena. He is survived by his parents Michael and Victoria Landwehr, his siblings Deanne Landwehr, Brenda (Steve) Payne, Douglas (Rose) Landwehr, and Laura (Niel) Kerschen, and 15 nieces and nephews.
Ernie is a true hero to his daughter, and his life positively impacted many other people. He was the light of the room and comic relief, he was a friend, mentor, and confidant that was truly kind, genuine, and humble. Ernie will forever remain the greatest storyteller of our family. His family and friends will miss him more than words can say. But in the words of Ernie –“Eh, I lived a good life.” Now he is enjoying tacos and entertaining the saints in heaven!
A memorial service will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wichita, KS on July 12 at 11 am. A reception will follow to celebrate Ernie’s life. Ernie and Nancy will be laid to rest together at a ceremony in Mexico in late July.

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Guest Book

Danny (Fresno, Ca Sco... 4/11/2022
 
Danny 4/11/2022
 
Marc Correra 12/14/2021
 
Steven Hayes 10/3/2021
 
Deanne Landwehr 8/3/2021
 
Brenda Payne 7/16/2021
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Victoria
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