Ernest "Ernie" E. Borntrager

Ernest “Ernie” Borntrager, 75, of Goshen, died March 22, 2016 at his Goshen home with his family by his side.

He was born February 24, 1941 in Canton,Ohio to Chris and Lydia Anne (Miller) Borntrager.

Ernie spent his life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He was an avid fisherman who loved to share his fish stories behind his counter at Travel Tender.  Ernie will best be remembered for his infectious smile and his kindness to everyone he met.  He was quick to laugh, he loved well, and he was authentic

He was a member of Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church and honorary member of the Shriner’s Club of Elkhart County.

He married LaVerda Lambright on June 9, 1963.  She survives along with their son Michael (Jill) Borntrager; two daughters Melanie (Chuck) Studebaker, and Marcia (Todd) Jenkins; three grandsons, Reid, Joshua, and Ryan and three granddaughters Sydney, Carlie and Sara.  Al so surviving are two sisters Elsie Borntrager and Verda Vallejo and five brothers Calvin, Lloyd, Urie, Milton, and Larry Borntrager; as well his adoptive families, the Seymours, the Diehls, and the Keenes.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother LeeRoy.

His family would like to thank the fishing community for their loyal support of Travel Tender – Ernie’s Bait and Tackle.  03/28/79 – 2/24/13.  You were an important part of his life.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday March 26, 2016 from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 pm at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home in Goshen.  The family will have a private service.

Memorials are suggested to the Shriner's Club or a charity of the donor’s choice.