Ernst Von Frankenberg
 
Founder of the Modern Second Wisconsin Passes Away 
May 29, 1926 - January 1, 2009

 

  

Ernst Von Frankenberg (center on shiloh)

Many thanks to Jim Brown for arranging for the horse drawn caisson (from Ernst's personal collection), to move the casket
into the cemetery and the Knights of Columbus Hall for use of the grounds for staging the ceremony; also
Chip Beckford, Executive Director for Washington County Historical Society for a final farewell
gathering at the Old Court House and Jail Museum following the internment service .

Ernst A. Frankenberg, age 82, of West Bend, passed away Thursday January 1, 2009 at the Cedar Lake Health Center.
He was born on May 29, 1926 in Milwaukee to the late Ernst G. and Margaret (nee Jordan) Frankenberg. His family resided in West Bend and
Ernst graduated from West Bend High School in the class of 1944.

After high school Ernst enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent seven years as an interpreter in Germany, and then caring for the officers horse's used in
competition at the 1948 Olympics. After his service duty ended he returned to Germany and studied to become a brewmaster. During his studies in
Germany, Ernst was united in marriage to Maria Rauchenecker on June 23, 1953 in Munich, Germany. When they returned to West Bend he was a
brew master for West Bend Lithia before becoming the Brew Master at Miller Brewing in Milwaukee. After his retirement he helped start
Sprecher Brewing Co. in Milwaukee.

Ernst was a member of the Fred A. Schaefer VFW Post # 1393. He was active with the West Bend Germanfest, and very active with the Son's of the
Union Veterans of the Civil War. Ernst started the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association in 1960, and commanded the 4th Military District SUVR.
The 2nd Wisconsin attended Memorial and 4th of July Parades, dedications, centennial events, and the like. Ernst was also a companion member of the
Military Order Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). This group was founded in 1865 upon the death of President Lincoln. It is linked to those
whose ancestors were officers, physicians, and telegraphers during the Civil War.

Ernst is survived by his wife, Maria; three children, Margit (Michael Haupert) Frankenberg of Rubicon, Emilie Anita Frankenberg of Franklin,
and Ernst J. (Annette) Frankenberg of West Bend; six grandchildren, Sigfried Leu, Birgit Haupert, Christa Seidl, Stacey Seidl, Ernst M. Frankenberg, and
Madeleine J. Frankenberg; a sister, Marjorie (Don) Stegemann of New Braunfels, TX; a brother-in-law,
Joseph (Reinhilde) Rauchenecker of Munich, Germany; a big brother and dear friend, Brian (Brenda) Berquist of Baldwin; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services in remembrance of Ernst will be held on Friday January 9th at 5:00 pm at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, West Bend. Pastoral Assistant Dan Schroeder of St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish will officiate. Visitation will be Friday at the funeral home from 2:00 pm until the time of service. Burial with military honors took place in Newark Cemetery.

Memorials to the Washington County Historical Society are appreciated. Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family.
 

Br. Commanding General,

I regret to inform you that Br. Ernst A. von Frankenberg, a member of the SVR since 1962, passed away in his sleep yesterday evening. 
Many of Br. Ernst's comtemporaries have gone before him, so that very few are left that can recount his contributions to the SVR and SUVCW. 
I therefore, with your patience, provide the following, condensed from my 1998 recommendation for his SVR Meritorious Service Award:

Br. Ernst served as an Associate Member of the Wis. Civil War Centennial Commission (1958-1966) and represented the state, the SVR and 
SUVCW at several commemorative battlefield events. He was commissioned at the Gettysburg Centennial in 1963 and given command of the 
4th Military District, which did not exist up until that time. So he founded the 2nd Wis. Vol. Inf. Assoc. and ensured that every member was also
a member of the SVR. He organized and equipped Cushing's Battery. In addition to these Wis. units, he also recruited Co. C, 34th IL Vol. Inf., 
Co. D, 12th IL Inf., Co. C, 5th U.S. Cav., and Battery I, 1st MO LA for the 4th MD.
After he was promoted to colonel in 1973, he served on the Nat. Military Affairs Committee and worked to ensure greater authenticity of SVR 
troops throughout the country.
In May 1977, Col. von Frankenberg organized the 4th MD Headquarters Company for those SVR members not assigned to existing units.
In addition to his post as 4th MD Commander, he served as Chief of Cavalry on the SVR Re-enactment staff. Using his extensive experience 
with horses and the U.S. Cavalry during the Korean War (he was also a WWII vet), and his knowledge of the Civil War, he set up programs 
for that service branch at the SVR's National Encampments. Col. von Frankenberg also provided artillery intruction at special schools.
He created a system of recognition for the men in his district who distinguished themselves in the line of duty. He had several SVR award metals 
cast at his own expense and presented them to those deserving in public ceremonies.
Attempting to establish a closer relationship with the SUVCW locally and build a stronger order in the state, Col. von Frankenberg organized 
Alonzo Cushing Camp #4 in his hometown of West Bend in 1988. The Camp was made up of local SVR members of various units.
In 1989, Col. von Frankenberg served as SVR Deputy Commander under BG Chester Shriver, the man who initiated him into the SVR 27 years earlier.
Col. von Frankenberg inspired a generation of men interested in re-enacting and the SVR. Several are still members of his Camp and associated SVR units. 
For many years, he led SVR members in the annual Memorial Day parade in West Bend. During the 1998 Wisconsin Sesquicentennial, 
Br. von Frankenberg drove an authentic horse-drawn limber and cannon across the state for 2 weeks, as part of "Wagons Across Wisconsin." 
A stops, he spoke about Civil War artillery and accepted donations to replace Union soldiers' headstones. For several years after, he continued to 
display his artillery collection (7 or 8 actual Civil War cannon) and artifacts, in the name of the Sons and SVR.
Rather than choosing retirement in the SVR at the grade of Colonel, he chose to remain an active member with the rank of private in the 
4th MD Headquarters Company. 

In 1999, Alonzo Cushing Camp 4 split into two Camps: MG John Gibbon Camp #4 and Alonzo Cushing Camp #5 which were each chartered that year. 
While he attended both chartering ceremonies and was revered in both organizations, he remained an honorary member of 
MG John Gibbon Camp #4 in Waukesha, Wis., until his death.
Many in both Camps attributed their interest, enthusiasm and membership to Br. Ernst and the passion he brought to the Sons and re-enacting. 
Br. Ernst von Frankenberg was recognized by PCinC Kent Armstrong with an SUVCW 40-year service certificate in 2003.


Respectfully,
Steve Michaels, Capt., SVR
4th MD Chief of Staff
SUVCW Past Commander-in-Chief