Ernest George Althuser

Obituary Ernest George Althuser December 3, 1923 ~ December 17, 2013 The Pacific Northwest lost one of its record breaking amateur golfers on December 17, 2013. He was 90 years old. Ernest George Althuser was born in Tacoma, WA in 1923 and lived here all his life. The son of Desire (Dis) George Althuser, a French immigrant, & June Hilliard (Harkins) Althuser. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1941, & attending 1 year of college he went off to war like so many other of our men did in 1943. In his late 80's he received "Special Congressional Recognition" for his participation in the Invasion of Normandy (Omaha Beach-second wave), as a Medical Sanitary Technician taking in the wounded. He was also at the "Battle of the Bulge" in Bastogne, Belgium, the last major Nazi offence against allies in WWII. Ernie received a Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, a WWII Victory Medal, and a Bronze Service Arrowhead and was honorably discharged in November of 1945. Upon returning home from the war he married Blanche McCormack and had two daughters. When his father passed away, he took over the family business, Althuser Plumbing, and began golfing with a passion. He won more than 60 trophies in various tournaments, and was the first player to win the Public Links & City Amateur titles in the same year & the first to win back-to-back Publinks titles. He did it twice. Ernie was a four time winner of the City Public Links Crown & five time champion in the City Match Play tournament. Sports writers had a field day characterizing him as "the portly pounder", "the burly Brookdale swatsmith", "a robust powerhouse", "the stubby plumber", and "the most successful shot maker in town". He also enjoyed playing cards, fishing with his friends, and was an avid horse racing fan & co-owner of several race horses in the late 60's. Married 66 years, Ernie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, a devout Catholic and member of St. Charles Borromeo Church in University Place. He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche; and is survived by daughters, Sandra Williamson (Stew) of Phoenix, and Cynthia LaGrone (Chet) of Dallas; grandchildren, Gina & Grant Gerritzen, Stephanie LaGrone, twin sisters Doris Pellegrini and Dorothy Gibson; and many nieces & nephews. Dad, we are grateful for such a wonderful father & role model, we will miss you. You are our Hero! A Rosary will be recited on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 10:30am at Calvary Cloisters Chapel followed by graveside services. The family suggests that memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Ernie's name. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.