Ernie O. Pracejus

Ernie O. Pracejus, 79, of Conneaut Lake, PA died Thursday, March 17, 2005 at the Meadville Medical Center.

He was born October 29, 1925 in Cleveland, OH the son of Helmuth and Ruth Glenn Pracejus.  He married his first wife Eleanor Laughlin April 3, 1954; she died January 28, 1977.  He subsequently married married Ruth E. Cooper Loutzenhiser November 19, 1987 in Jefferson, OH.  She survives.

Ernie graduated from Sheakleyville, OH High School in 1942, served with the US army from 1943 to 1945 with the 2531st AAF Base Unit and then attended Allegheny College, Meadville where he graduated in 1949.

Ernie retired in 1979 from Atlas Corp. and Textron Corp. both of West Newton, OH after many years as supervisor and Vice President.  He was very knowledgeable in the fastener field traveling to many companies helping them with problems.

Ernie and his wife Ruth owned and operated Ernie's Restaurant and Lounge, Route 618, Conneaut Lake from 1979 to retirement again in 2000.

He was a former member of the Newton, OH Episcopal Church and Conneautville American Legion.  Ernie enjoyed golf, playing many rounds with his wife and friends.  He also belonged to Wednesday Night Golf League at the Park Golf Course.

He enjoyed boating on Conneaut Lake and after great effort mastered wind surfing.  Ernie enjoyed his many friends and family at cookouts and family gatherings.

He was a great conversationalist, and always with concern for the healthy growth of Conneaut Lake area.

In addition to his wife, Ruth E. Pracejus of Conneaut Lake; he is survived by two sons, David Pracejus of Conneaut Lake and Jeff Pracejus of Cleveland, OH; two step-sons, Fred Loutzenhiser, Jr. and Jeff Loutzenhiser (Michelle), both of Conneaut Lake; four step-grandchildren, Kristen, Amanda, Alicia and Mackenzie Loutzenhiser, all of Conneaut Lake and a sister-in-law, Carol Laughlin of Sebring, FL.

He was preceded in death by a brother, W. Glenn Pracejus in 2005.

Services were held with the Waid-Coleman Funeral Home.