Ernest Otto Wilhelm, Jr., 81, of Leesburg, passed away December 25, 2013 at the Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont. He was born January 3, 1932 in Chicago, IL son of Harriet Stahl & Ernest Otto Wilhelm, Sr. He received his business degree from the University of Illinois. He then served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict prior to attending Chicago Kent College of Law. He graduated and was admitted to the Illinois Bar. On July 12, 1958 he was united in marriage to Marlene Ebel in Chicago. He was a tax attorney for Texaco, Chicago & Coral Gables offices and was a member of the Illinois Bar Association. He was a singer with Downers Grove Oratorio, Fort Lauderdale Christian Choral, Orlando Messiah Society & many church choirs in Illinois, New York & Florida. A local resident since 1997 from Hollywood, FL, he was a member of Woodlands Lutheran Church in Montverde & the American Legion. He was a loving husband to Marlene; father of seven, Jeff (MI), Greg (TX), Ken (NY), Andy (FL), Liz (TX), Kathy (TX) & Thomas (FL) & grandfather to 14. His grandson, Luke, preceded him.



The funeral service for Ernest Wilhelm will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at Woodlands Lutheran Church followed by a reception in Disciples Hall. Burial will take place in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell with US Army honors. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Monday, December 30, 2013 at BECKER FUNERAL HOME, 806 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont, FL 34711. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Woodlands Church Bell Music Fund or the Salvation Army in lieu of flowers.. (beckerfamilyfuneral.com).