Ernest "Ernie" Frederick Buchholz, Jr.

Ernest “Ernie” Frederick Buchholz, Jr., 85, of Elkton passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Courtney Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation in Bad Axe. Ernie was born on March 9, 1940, in Elkton, Michigan, to the late Ernest Sr. and Marie Wurst Buchholz and was a 1958 graduate of Elkton High School. He spent much of his earlier years with the Michigan Sugar Company in Sebewaing, working as their heavy loader specialist, but Ernie’s life was defined by much more than his career. Ernie was the life of the party that seemed to follow him everywhere he went, and it was said that to know him was to love him. Ernie shared his life with Sharon Rapson, who he met through a mutual friend. She was immediately smitten with his sharp style and great personality, and the two would soon become inseparable. They married September 9, 1961, and would spend more than 63 years together. She survives him. The next blessing that came into his life was his daughter Kami, who he cherished from the moment she was born. The bond between them was unbreakable and the time they spent together will be treasured forever. He gave generously, both of his time and love, but also of the little things in life like the food from the garden that he tended with care. He was proud to invest in his friends and community in this way, nurturing people the same way he nurtured his fruits and veggies, and though his passing leaves a huge hole in those who loved him, the memories of his kind soul will live on in all who knew him.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife Sharon Rapson Buchholz; daughter Kami Buchholz and her husband EdWard Burnett; sister Elaine Watterworth; and sisters-in-law Diane (Michael) Rapson-Gabil and Janet Bodis Rapson; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and countless friends who are left to cherish his memory.

Ernie was preceded in death by brothers Ray (Elaine) Buchholz and Clarence (Inez) Buchholz; sisters Dorothy (Dale) Henne, Beatrice (Millard) Deering, and Ruth Blome; brother-in-law Wayne Rapson; and sister-in-law Gail (Robert) Rapson Sturm.

In accordance with Ernie’s wishes, cremation is to take place. The family has chosen to celebrate his life in private but asks that you spend time sharing memories of Ernie with those you love. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Champagne Funeral Chapel of Pigeon.