Ernesto "Ernie" Leal Jr., born October 26, 1932 in Eagle Pass Texas, passed away at his home in Dexterville Wisconsin, with his loving wife Barbara and son Ted at his side. Ernesto married Barbara Diehlmann Steffen on September 23, 1978. Ernesto proudly served in the 101st Airborne Military division. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal; the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in April of 1955. Ernie retired from Mayville Metal after 35 years of service. Ernie loved trout fishing, hunting and camping trips to Missouri. He had a passion for gardening and planting flowers. His majestic pines were planted with love in memory of his relatives. Ernie enjoyed wood carving and could be found in the well house working on new projects. He especially loved his trips to the casino to play the nickel machines. Many stray animals never worried about finding their forever home with Ernie. Ernesto is survived by his wife Barbara of 34 years, daughter(s) Cindy Jo (Brian) Jansen, Peggy (Ken) Lee, Jody (Barb) Leal, Carla (Alejandro) Mello, and Paula (Glenn) Mathes, son(s) Theodore Steffen, Danny (Joanne) Leal and Larry (Kelli) Leal. Sixteen grandchildren, Amanda Jo Jansen, Jacob Jansen, Adam Lee, Joseph Lee, Eric Leal, Jason Leal, Nathan Steffen, Ernesto Vaquera, Amanda Vaquera, Briana Mathes, Brooke Mathes, Aaron Steffen,Chad Leal,Eric Leal, Megan Leal, Kaitlyn Leal and Joshua Leal. He was honored and blessed to have 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Linda (Allen) Pease, and his cousin Calistro (Juanita) Terrasas of California. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents Ernesto and Josephina (Garcia) Leal. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday August 14, 2013 at Buchanan/Rembs Funeral home in Pittsville where the visitation will be held from 11:00 am until service time. The Reverend Todd J. Crawford, close family friend, will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Dexterville cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #153, Pittsville. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com