Ernest “Ernie” Gene Hetke

Ernest “Ernie” Gene Hetke, 80, Cornell, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ernie was born July 18th, 1945, to Eugene and Caroline (Johnson) Hetke, in Portland, Ore. He grew up in a few different places around Wisconsin, including Cornell, Colfax and Racine, but generally considered Cornell his home, because of his love for the Hetke farm, which he ended up purchasing and living on, for nearly 60 years.

Following high school, he joined the Army and served for three years.

Ernie married Agnes Audorff, Dec. 4, 1965, in Cadott. Besides being a full-time farmer, Ernie did many other things to keep himself busy, including carpentry, woodworking, sawing lumber and gunsmithing. He also loved being outdoors and enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, sporting clays and making maple syrup.

If Ernie hadn’t been a farmer, he probably would have been a cowboy, because he loved horses, and could spend hours watching cowboy shows and movies. He often made a yearly trip to a cousin’s ranch, in Montana.

He is survived by his wife – Agnes; his sons – Paul (Janet), Philip (Julie), Peter (Susan) and Dale (Loretta); his daughters – Regina (Howard) Boppart and Rhonda Mickelson; brother – David (Marlene); sister – Dianne; 24 grandkids and 19 great-grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws – Johannes and Flora Audorf; sister – Mary Blazer; and grandchildren – George Hetke and Mathias Boppart.

Visitation is from 9-11 a.m., with a celebration of life service, at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 6, at Keystone New Life Church in Cornell. Immediately following, an internment service will take place at the Cleveland Cemetery.

Lunch will be served at the Cleveland Town Hall, following the internment.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell, is assisting the family.