George "Gorgeous George" Ernst

Edgerton/Janesville - George William Ernst (AKA Gorgeous George, or Mr. Color T.V), age 88, passed away May 11, 2012 at William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital in Madison. George was born June 27, 1923 in Racine, WI; the son of the late William and Blanche (Crouch) Ernst. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. His interest in flying soon put him in James Hancock College of Aeronautics, where he continued on with his flight training. In order to become a pilot, he had to be discharged for twenty four hours and then re-instated and sworn in as an officer with a rank of 2nd Lieutenant. As a part of the 96th Bomber Group, he flew 17 missions piloting a B-17 Bomber (Flying Fortress). He was stationed outside of Ipswich, England. George would have loved to continue flying after the war, but felt his family deserved to have him at home. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. From 1954 – 1993, George owned and operated T.V Hi-Fi Center in Janesville and recorded the first screaming radio commercial in Janesville. He married Ruth Wright in 1970. They were married for twenty nine years before she passed away in 2000. He was a member of the VFW and transferred his membership to Lakeland, FL; where he spent the past eight winters loving the warm weather and making many new friends. Both George and Ruth shared a love of fishing and living on the Rock River. George loved to spend time on his deck watching the river traffic and visiting with friends. George will be truly missed by all who knew him. George is survived by his daughter Janet Strizic, Edgerton, WI; one brother William (Lucille) Ernst of Madison, WI; grandsons Daniel (Lisa) Janisch of Tower, MN; Craig (Michelle) Janisch of Janesville, WI; Thomas Strizic, of Albuquerque, NM; and one great grandson Connor Janisch. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth and son William Ernst. A memorial service with full military rites and burial at Oakhill Cemetery in Janesville, WI will take place in the near future. George’s family would like to thank the staff at the Veterans Hospital for their kindness and wonderful care in the last few days that George was with them. Online condolences may be made at www.866allfaiths .com All Faiths Funeral Home of Janesville is assisting the family.