Ernest Frank "Ernie" Rademacher, 89 of Gifford, died at 1:54 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his home.

Private family funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford.

Ernie was born May 24, 1936, in Fithian, the son of Frank and Hiske Schlueter Rademacher.  He married Marleen Huls June 16, 1957, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Marleen, he is survived by a son, Rich (Cindy) Rademacher of Penfield; a daughter, Ranae (Jeff) Ault of Penfield; 8 grandchildren, Reanna Rademacher, Lindsey (Brian) Keyes, Michael (Kami) Rademacher, Justin (Kaitlyn) Rademacher, Jordan (Kendra) Rademacher, Austin Rademacher, Jenna (Preston) Miles, Joni (Anthony) Hornbeck; 14 great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Teresa Rademacher; two sisters, Elaine (Marvin) Flessner of St. Joseph, Carolyn (Duane) Schluter of Penfield; 3 brothers, Norman (Jeanne) Rademacher of Gifford, Marvin (Shirley) Rademacher of Rantoul, Wayne (Glenna) Rademacher of Fithian and a brother-in-law, Ron Suits of Urbana.  He is also survived by Barry Vilven who was like an additional son and Tanner McLain who was like a grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Wesley Rademacher, Rodney Rademacher, Randy Rademacher; a grandson, Jared Rademacher; two brothers, Arnold and Vernon Rademacher and a sister, Janet Suits.

Ernie graduated from Armstrong High School in 1954.  He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford.  After graduation he worked in construction and in 1957, he started Rademacher Construction with his brothers, Arnold and Norman.  He was also a grain and cattle farmer.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Youth Ministry, Gifford.  Condolences and memories can be shared with family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.