GLENFIELD – Ernest E. "Ernie" Kohnert, 103, died on Monday evening, July 31, 2017 , at the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility.

Mr. Kohnert was born on April 2, 1914 , in West New York , NJ , a son of the late Ernest A. and Victorine Julia Creange Kohnert. His first marriage to Ruth Hooton in 1934 ended in divorce. He married Dorothea Viola Winter in April of 1945 in West New York , NJ., and was a tool & die maker for Chicago Pneumatic in Utica .

In 1947 he and his wife traveled the U.S.A. , doing odd jobs along the way. For a time Ernie wrestled professionally as King Kong Kohnert, and was a marksman on the Englewood Police reserve team. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying camping, canoeing, hiking, and riding his motorcycles. He sang with a barbershop quartet in Ridgewood , N.J. and was a lifetime member of the YMCA. He played racquetball at the Rome Y up to the age of 95 and celebrated his 100th birthday with his Y friends.

Survivors include daughters: Kerry Lynn Kohnert of Ringwood, NJ, Christine Marie Kohnert of Mt.Vernon, WA and Kathleen Julia (Joseph) Frascino of USR, NJ and his son, Karl Ernest (Cathy) Kohnert of Glenfield; eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothea; his daughter, Ruthann Marie McLearie and son-in-law Douglas Lee Stufflebeam.

Ernie chose to be cremated.

There will be a "Celebration of Life" for Ernie, Sunday, August 20th, 2:00 PM-6:00PM, at his son's (Karl) home, 6731 Bliss Road, Glenfield. Please join us in celebrating a long life and say your final farewell to Ernie.