Born and raised in Pittsburg, Kansas, he was the son of Ann and Ernest Anselmi. After attending Central HS in Kansas City, Missouri, he enrolled at Baker University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics in 1952. During his collegiate career, he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and also a three sport lettermen in football, baseball and track. His true passion was football as he was a four-year starter; playing both offense and defense while earning All-Conference honors. His outstanding play caught the attention of professional recruiters and he was invited to the Los Angeles Rams football camp. In 2004, Ernie was proudly inducted into the Baker Hall of Fame for his football accomplishments.
Besides his-stellar collegiate achievements, Ernie would boast his most significant accomplishment at Baker University was finding his love of his life, Frances Virginia (Ginger) Newman and they were wed in 1954. Shortly after their wedding, Ernie and Ginger lived in Kansas City, MO and then Prairie Village, KS. In 1963, they established their roots in Leawood, Kansas for more than 30 years to raise their three boys.
Ernie began his career at IBM working in Sales. During his 18-year career, Ernie became one of IBM's top ten salesmen in the nation winning many sales awards and a member of IBM's 100% Club fifteen years in a row. Subsequently, Ernie worked at Inland Office as a Regional Sales Manager and he later joined ROM Corporation as a Product Manager with his good friend, Jim Pace. At ROM, Ernie was responsible for revolutionizing the fire truck industry with the Robinson Shutter, a concept he adopted from some European counterparts.
Ernie was also very active in serving his local community. In 1964, Ernie joined the Leawood KS Fire department as a volunteer fireman. During his 25 year career, he served as a Rescue Captain (309) and under his guidance his squad was selected as the National Small Department Rescue Squad of the Year. In addition to his fire service, Ernie also served two terms on the Leawood City Council and was a coach/volunteer for his three sons various sports teams. After a long and successful career, Ernie retired and enjoyed traveling but he "lived" to spend quality time with his extended family. He particularly loved family gatherings and to watch his beloved local sports teams through the good, bad and ugly.
Ernie is survived by his three sons; Kent (Julie Beth) of Olathe, KS, Kurt (Tracy) of Cypress, TX and Kyle (Karen) of Merriam, KS. He was blessed with five grandchildren; Jennifer, Kelsey (Dallas, TX), Stephen (Liberty, MO), Tyler and Brandon (Cypress, TX). He was preceded in death by his wife Ginger (1989) and granddaughter Jennifer Arnett (2012).
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 21, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, Ernie and the family respectfully request donations be made to the Baker Athletic Department, Baker University, c/o Alumni Relations, Post Office Box 65, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006; https://www.bakeru.edu/foreverorange/give-now/
