Ernie was born on July 8, 1939, on Beaver Island, the son of Francis and Mary (Washegesic) Gablow. He spent his early childhood on the island, attending school and church there until about the age of eight. He later attended Holy Childhood School in Harbor Springs before returning to Beaver Island. His father was a commercial fisherman, and Ernie grew up accustomed to island life, frequently traveling by ferry between Beaver Island and Charlevoix.

At just 15 years old, Ernie began working summers aboard a freighter known as The White Swan, sailing the Great Lakes. Through this work, he traveled to Canada for the first time and spent significant time in the Upper Peninsula and the Manitou Islands, doing seasonal labor such as gathering cedar boughs. During his high school years, Ernie played varsity football for Charlevoix High School and also enjoyed playing basketball.

Throughout his life, Ernie’s family relocated often, living in Charlevoix, Frankfort, Montague, and Saugatuck. After graduating from high school, Ernie moved to Chicago, where he began working for The Chicago Tribune, loading delivery trucks and running a route as far as Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. He later spent 17 years working for Western Textiles, starting with loading and unloading trucks and eventually advancing to the position of receiving clerk. Even while working in Chicago, Ernie made it a point to fly back to Traverse City on weekends to visit his sister.

Ernie had a deep love for travel and community involvement. As a proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, he traveled extensively throughout Michigan and served as a delegate to the Michigan Indian Elders Association. He worked for the Leelanau Sands Casino for twelve years and continued traveling regularly during that time. In retirement, Ernie became a volunteer driver for Elders, taking them to picnics, dinners, and bingo—activities he truly enjoyed.

Ernie knew nearly everyone by first name and was cherished for his great sense of humor and genuine kindness. He loved joking with the Elders and found true fulfillment in volunteering. He often said, “What goes around, comes around,” a phrase that reflected his belief in giving back. Another favorite saying of his was, “Things are changing, and you must change with it,” words he lived by with positivity and grace throughout his life.

The family extends their deepest thanks to the staff at MediLodge GTC for their love, and care, and his hospice nurse Kitty. Ernie is survived by his nephew, Scott (Angie) Boomer, and his niece, Sheilah Boomer; his great-nieces and greatnephews, Araya, Arleena, Abi, Jordan, Dakota, Elijah, Kyle, and two great-greatnephews; and his special friends, Sandy Waukazoo and Gertrude Minzey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Kenneth Gablow, Cecelia Gablow, George Gablow, Edythe Gablow, Dennis Gablow, Pat Moore, Michael Galla, and Tim Moore; his nephew, Ronnie Dornaweerd; and his great-nephew, Dillon Dornaweerd.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, with visitation beginning at 12 p.m., at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay.

Memorial donations in Ernie’s memory may be directed to Shriners Children’s Hospital, Attn: Shriners Children’s, P.O. Box 947765, Tampa, FL 30394.

Please share condolences and memories with Ernie’s family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.