Ernest Joseph Laureys, Jr., 63 of Elkhart passed away at 7:25 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2013 -in his home surrounded by family. Ernie was born on August 22, 1949 in South Bend. He is the son of Ernest J. and Loretta (Moyer) Laureys. On September 24, 1971, he married Diane M. Fowler; she passed away on July 27, 2011.

He is survived by three children; Ernest Laureys, III of Ft. Wayne, Michele Laureys of Elkhart and Steven (Kim) Laureys of Leesburg, IN. He also has two grandchildren, Destiny and Allison Laureys. He is also survived by his mother, Loretta Laureys of New Carlisle. He also has four siblings, Evelyn Keene of Lafayette, IN, Joseph (Carol) Laureys of New Carlisle, Kevin Laureys of New Carlisle and Janet (John) Rehlander of LaPorte. He also has six nephews and one niece. He is preceded in death by his father and wife.

Ernie retired from Carson''s (the former Elder-Beerman) in 2011 after over 20 years of service. He will be remembered for his love of sports and was on the ABC Bowling League at the Black Cat Alley. He also enjoyed cooking on the grill.

A memorial service will be held at 5:30 pm, Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Private burial will take place at a later date.