LaVerne S. B. Audley

LaVerne “Ernie” Seaborn Beech Audley, Merton, Wisconsin, passed peacefully on May 25, 2026, at the remarkable age of 99.

Ernie was born on May 1, 1927, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, to Thomas and Orah Audley of Delafield. He was raised on the family farm in Delafield, on land that today includes portions of Nagawaukee Golf Course. Those early years instilled in him a strong work ethic, a love of the outdoors, and a deep appreciation for community that defined his life.

After graduating from Waukesha High School, Ernie met Jean Bies, and the two were married in 1948. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, business, and community. Their marriage endured for 77 years until Jean's passing on July 11, 2025—a testament to their devotion and partnership.

Ernie proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947, working as both a cook and a military policeman. He remained fiercely patriotic throughout his life. He was proud to be an American and never hesitated to express his love for his country.

Professionally, Ernie was a respected master plumber. He joined his father-in-law, Ted Bies, in Theo H Bies Plumbing Company in 1952. They worked together for decades, developing a successful business that eventually became Audley Plumbing & Heating. He also served as the Village of Merton Plumbing Inspector for 54 years, earning the trust and respect of generations of residents and contractors through his expertise and fairness.

Community involvement was one of Ernie's greatest pleasures. He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Merton Fire Department, played for the Merton Am-Vets baseball team, managed Merton's Land O' Lakes baseball team for many years, and remained deeply involved in baseball throughout his life. As secretary-treasurer of the Land O' Lakes Baseball League for more than four decades, he helped preserve the history and traditions of amateur baseball in Waukesha County. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected to the Land O' Lakes Hall of Fame in 1999.

Ernie was also a great lover of the outdoors, including hunting deer and pheasant. He was an active member of the Monches Fish & Game Club and the Monches Trap Shooting Club. He enjoyed deer hunting on a family farm in Central Wisconsin as well as his numerous trips to Wyoming with his hunting friends.

Away from work and community service, Ernie embraced life with passion. He was a devoted fan of the Brewers, Packers, and Badgers, and he remained loyal whether it was a winning season or a rebuilding year. Following retirement, he took up golf and continued playing well into his mid-90s, proving that age was never a barrier to enjoying the game he loved. He also enjoyed playing Sheepshead with his family and friends.

Above all else, Ernie was devoted to his family. Ernie and Jean had four sons, George (Martha) of Cedarburg, John (Wendy) of Merton, Mike (Ann) of Hartland, and Jeff (Darrell) of San Antonio, TX; numerous extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, humor, sharp wit, wisdom, and friendship.

Ernie and Jean had nine grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Susan (Audley) and Tim Whitney and children Sophia and William; Katherine (Audley) and Nick Fischer and daughters Hailey and Adeline; Daniel Audley; Elizabeth (Audley) and Jared Schaefer and children TJ and Camryn; Christopher Washburn and daughters Lindsay and Addison; Shawn and Amy Washburn and daughters Kailyn and Emily; Barbara (Audley) and Doug Bruch and sons Brody and Jack; Steven Audley and Jana and children Emmett and Avery; Adam Audley and Sara and children Aeson, Ayla, Arlee, Abel, Arbor, and Alouette.

Ernie lived a life defined by service and dependability, guided by his sharp wit. Whether it be coaching a baseball player, spending time with family, or cheering on his favorite teams, he approached every day with determination and a genuine appreciation for the people around him.

His legacy lives on in the family he enjoyed, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched over nearly a century of life.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, at Evert-Luko Funeral Home, 170 Warren Avenue in Hartland. Military Honors will be held outdoors at 12:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post. Followed by a luncheon and Words of Remembrance at the American Legion, 231 Goodwin Avenue in Hartland.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ernie's honor to the Hartland American Legion Post 294, Merton Fire Department, or Land O'Lakes Old-Timers Association would be greatly appreciated.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.