Ernesto Soto, a beloved member of the Kenosha community, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicago, IL, on Wednesday, November 7, 1929, Ernie was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who touched the lives of many with his loyalty, honesty, and selflessness.

On October 16, 1954, he married the love of his life, Maria E. C. Ramirez, and the couple spent 57 years growing their family together until Maria’s passing in 2011.

As a professional top molder, Ernie served for 33 years at Arneson Foundry in Kenosha, WI.  In retirement, Ernie cared for families and their loved ones by tending to the grounds at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.

Throughout his life, Ernie found joy in coaching girls’ and men’s softball teams, becoming a revered mentor in the Kenosha softball community. His passion for the sport was evident in the countless hours he spent on the field, inspiring and shaping the lives of those he coached. His contributions were recognized and celebrated by the Rotary Club of Kenosha, a testament to his unwavering dedication. In addition to his passions on the softball field, Ernie was a skilled bowler and, at one time, was the oldest active bowler in the State of Wisconsin at the age of 92.

In addition to his love for softball, Ernie had a green thumb and took great pride in tending to his garden, cultivating magnificent sunflowers, roses, and carnations that brought beauty and life to his surroundings. His love for nature extended to all creatures, as he was known for his kindness towards animals, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Ernie’s legacy is one of hard work, boundless love, and unwavering devotion to his family. His favorite colors of purple, green, and blue reflected his vibrant spirit and zest for life. His message to his family and friends was one of comfort… not to cry or be sad but to celebrate the good life he lived.

Ernie is survived by his children, Deciderio “Desi” (Bonnie) Soto, Gilberto “Gibby” (Belinda) Soto, Linda (John Olson) Soto; granddaughter, Nicole Fernandez, 16 additional grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife; parents, Perfecto and Delfina (Castillo) Soto; daughters, Rachel Soto and Marina Soto-Galvan; and son, Roberto Soto.

Ernesto Soto will forever be remembered for his kind heart, love for his family, and the profound influence he had on the community he cherished. May he rest in eternal peace.

Service Date November 30, 2024

SERVICE LOCATION St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church

Funeral services honoring Ernesto’s life will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1300 73rd Street.

Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.

A visitation for Ernesto will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to  Susan G. Komen for the Cure (https://www.komen.org/) would be appreciated by the family.