Ernest August Jansch

Ernest was born at home in Almont, PA to loving German immigrant parents, Martha and August Jansch. Ernie was the youngest of six children. He served as the school photographer and graduated from Souderton High School in 1941. Ernie enlisted in the army in 1943 and served in the 328th Infantry Company, Twenty-sixth Infantry Division; Yankee Division in General Patton’s Third Army. Ernie was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1945. Ernie’s honors include: 2 Bronze Stars, 3 Purple Hearts, Army Good Conduct, American Defense, American Campaign, E.T.O Campaign – 4 battle stars, WWII Victory Medal, WWII Occupation Medal, National Defense Medal, WWII Battle of the Bulge, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Belgras Croix De Guerre Medal. With the GI Bill, Ernie went onto college to become an electronic engineer. He worked on some of the first computers, receiving several patents for his work on the bank checks’ magnetic ink technology. During the 1960’s Ernie was employed at Burroughs Corp. working on the Mercury program guidance computer.

Throughout his life, Ernie enjoyed nature, flowers, fishing, family, food and writing poetry. Ernest was married to Elizabeth Rathgeber until 1973. They had three daughters: Margaret, Nancy and Barbara. In 1985, Ernie married Martha Milburne and spent the rest of his life with Martha. Ernest died surrounded by his loving family at Rex Hospital from complications from pneumonia. Ernie is preceded in death by his wife, Martha; his parents; brother Paul, sisters: Gertrude, Elsie and Helen; daughter Barbara. He is survived by his sister, Martha, daughters Margaret and Nancy, 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Brown Wynne Funeral Home – 300 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh NC. Visitation with the family starts at 6:00 pm followed by the service with military honors and the firefighters’ honor guard at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle in Raleigh, NC, 27607 (919) 828-0890.

Condolences can be made at www.brownwynne.com.