Ernie died November 8, 2001, at home in Midvale from emphysema.
He was born Jan. 26, 1925, in Salt Lake City to Nora Boyes and Ernest O. Poulsen.
He graduated from South High in 1943 and obtained a business degree from the U. of U. Ernie proudly served in World War II 1942-1945 in the Army Air Corps 5th Air Force with the 319th Division of the 90th Bomb Group (Jolly Rogers). Married Patsy Lou Groesbeck August 26, 1946, later divorced. Together, they had two daughters, Pam and Joan.
Ernie worked for MK Construction in Kemmerer, Wyoming and Boise, Idaho for 20 years. He then moved to Salt Lake where he worked for Wheeler Machinery and Valley Mental Health until retiring in 1994.
Ernie married Lauri Westerman on April 14, 1984. Together, they attended several national reunions of the Jolly Rogers, where Ernie was able to reconnect with many of his crew mates and comrades from the War, which was a source of great pride and enjoyment for him. He was a true friend, never taking a friendship for granted, and always regretted that, due to his health, could not return the many kindnesses shown to him over the years. Ernie especially enjoyed attending his South High reunions, the last of which was his 50th reunion in 1993.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Lauri, who will never stop loving him; daughters, Pam Caskey and Joan Compton, whom he dearly loved and was extremely proud of; his grandchildren, Erin Caskey, Shane Compton and Jennifer Compton, who provided him with humor, a great deal of love and compassion, and whom he loved unconditionally; and, his great-grand-daughter, Ashley Nichole Compton, who was his "buddy" and treasure who gave him special Papa Ernie hugs that meant so much to him. Upon arriving from Boise on the day Ernie died, Ashley exclaimed, "Grammie Lauri, Grandpa forgot his shoes"!
We pray that Ernie is now able to breathe deeply and fill his lungs with the sweetness of heaven and know how much he is, and will always be, loved and remembered. On a lighter note, his family, friends, World War II comrades, and former hair stylists, also hope that he will always have "perfect" hair.
Funeral services will be held at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, on Monday, Nov. 12, 2001, at 2 p.m. where friends are invited to meet with the family from 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Intermountain Health Care Hospice of Salt Lake City would be greatly appreciated. Their help was a godsend to Ernie and his family during this time of need.
"ASTERPERIOUS"