Ernest Eugene Przybylski

Ernest Eugene Przybylski passed away surrounded by his loved ones from complications of dementia on May 17, 2026, at the age of 83. Ernie will be with his wife, celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary in heaven on May 23rd.

Ernie was born in Greenbush, Minnesota, on January 19, 1943, to Emil and Mary Katherine (Dembiczak) Przybylski. He was born at home on a 20-acre farm in -40-degree weather because the hospital had burned down. He was the fifth of six children.

Ernie was raised in Thief River, Minnesota. After graduation, he moved to Washington State to begin working for Boeing at age 19. Ernie met Lois, his lifelong love, at JCPenney’s in Auburn. They were married on May 23, 1964, and had three daughters. Ernie enlisted in the Navy and was based in Northern California from 1965 through 1967. They returned to the Auburn area, where he continued working for Boeing. In 1971, a major Boeing layoff led Ernie and his family to move to Los Angeles with his brother Richard, where they became police officers. Ernie did not like this line of work and, after a year, returned to Auburn, where he was able to continue his career at Boeing until he retired in 1999. Ernie later worked part-time for Farrington Court in Kent for another eight years, driving the activity bus for retired residents around the area. He loved getting to know the residents, as well as getting coffee and treats from the staff. After retirement, Ernie and Lois spent their winters in Desert Hot Springs, California, and their summers in Moses Lake, Washington.

Ernie was a selfless person, always thinking of his family and others first. He absolutely adored “his daughters” and often shared that with everyone. He was an engaged father and grandfather. He made sure his family was doing something new and fun whenever possible. From annual trips to Sun Lakes and discovering new camping places to exploring national parks, he wanted his family to enjoy their time together. Camping, fishing, golfing, skiing (water and snow), gardening, bowling, and playing cards are just some of the things Ernie enjoyed doing with his friends and family. Ernie was a huge sports fan and enjoyed the Huskies, Seahawks, and Mariners. Memories of having sports games on several radios and the TV at home or while camping were common—we didn’t want to miss the action.

Ernie was a devoted Catholic his entire life and raised his family in the faith. Ernie and Lois were very active in the church’s youth group, forming many long-lasting friendships with the “Quest staff” and the “Enneagram” group. Ernie and Lois always had an open door to their home for family and friends to stay for an afternoon, a night, or long-term.

Ernie is survived by his daughters Julie (Craig) Wasilewski, Brenda (Curt) Thompson, and Jodi Emmens, (Jeff Belcher); grandchildren Tyler (Abbi) Wasilewski, Sydney Wasilewski, Alex Wasilewski, Samantha Chelemedos, Bailey (Caleb) Daniels, Derek Thompson, Tristen Emmens, Logan Przybylski, and Aiden Belcher; great-grandchildren Eleanor and Erin Wasilewski; his brother Richard (Darlene) Przybylski and sister-in-law Jane Przybylski; and many nieces and nephews. Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents, Emil and Katherine; his brothers Leonard, Albin, and Kenneth; and his sister Lorraine Schaaf.

In his final years, Ernie was fortunate to have the love and support from his daughters, family, and Prestige Senior Living Auburn Meadows.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Alzheimer’s Association.

The family wishes to invite everyone to join us for a celebration of life mass followed by a luncheon reception at the Holy Family Catholic Church

Service will be held on June 9, 2026, at 11:00am at

Holy Family Catholic Church

505 17th St SE, Auburn, WA 98002

There will be a small service at 2:45 pm

for interning Ernie and Lois Przybylski:

Tahoma National Cemetery

18600 SE 240th Street Kent, WA 98042