Ernest Alfred Schlaefli Sr.

Ernest “Ernie” Alfred Schlaefli, Sr., 86, of Camp Springs, MD died on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at his home. He was born at home on February 27, 1929 to the late John and Emma Schlaefli. He was preceded in death by his son, Ernest “Ernie” Jr., and his brother, John Jr. Ernie was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 51 years, Leni, and 2 children, Susan and her husband, Kevin Pond and Albert and his wife, Patty. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren; Adam, Brendan & Aaron Pond as well as Kaylee, Alyssa, Hannah & Zachary Schlaefli. Ernie grew up in Brandywine and graduated from Gwynn Park High School. After graduating, he began a career as an auto mechanic. In 1951 he was inducted into the Army and served in Korea, first as a combat medic and then as an auto mechanic. While in Korea he earned the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the Combat Medic Badge. After being honorably discharged in 1953, he returned to work in the automotive industry. Ernie was a devout Christian and attended the Apostolic Christian Church in Upper Marlboro, MD. He was also a volunteer fireman for many years and life-long resident of Prince George’s County. He loved to build and create things and was an avid gardener, growing vegetables to share with all he knew. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 from 11:00 am until the time of the service at 1:00 pm at Lee Funeral Homes, Inc., 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, MD 20735. There will also be a service at 2:30 p.m. at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623. Donations of remembrance may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake at http://www.hospicechesapeake.org/support-donate/online-donation-form. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ernest Alfred Schlaefli Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.