Ernest "Ernie" Vivian Spears

August 1, 1945 - October 21, 2020

Ernest V. “Ernie” Spears, age 75, of Richland Center died Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at the Richland Hospital. He was born on August 1, 1945, in Pulaski Township, Iowa County, WI, the son of Louis and Ella (McClaren) Spears. He served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1967 which included a tour in Vietnam. Ernie married Glenna Miller on November 9, 1968 at Boaz United Methodist Church. Ernie’s life was always centered around his family first and then it was football, especially the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. Ernie was known as “Papa” to family (grandkids) and their friends. Papa looked forward to attending the grandkids school events, the sporting events more than the musicals. Papa loved watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and was so very proud of them. Ernie was the Mr. Fix it Guy whether it dealt with your broken vehicle, electrical, plumbing or woodworking needs and/or wants. If Ernie wasn’t busy fixing something, you could find him sitting on the porch enjoying the outdoors and watching the birds, reading a western, eating peanuts or simply going out to eat. Ernie has always loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed coon and bear hunting when he was younger, camping and traveling. Survivors include his wife Glenna Spears of Richland Center; 3 children, Lisa (George) Crouse of Lone Rock, WI, Tracy (Brad) Brownlee of Cazenovia, WI, Glenn (Jackie) Spears of Richland Center, WI; 7 grandchildren, Chelse Lumzy (Blake Peickert), G.W. Crouse, Trevor Spears (Anna Laue), Brianna Strander (Dylan Fields), Cassidy Brownlee, Austin Crouse, Cole Brownlee; 2 great grandchildren, Keegan Crouse, Ella May Fields; a brother, Eugene (Tracy) Spears of Genoa, WI; 2 sisters-in-law, Hilda (LaVon) Hicks of Richland Center, WI, Sandra (Nate) Lindeke of Anchorage, AL; a brother-in-law, Jeff Schultz of Richland Center, WI; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Ray Spears, Norman Spears; and a sister-in-law, Annetta Schultz. A celebration of Ernie’s life may be held at a later date. The Clary Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com .