Allen "Skip" Eernisse, age 87 years of Grafton, passed away at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon on March 7, 2018. He was born June 30, 1930 in Grafton, son of the late Erwin and Alice Mintzlaff Eernisse. Skip was a 1948 graduate of Grafton High School, where he played basketball and baseball. Skip was the originator of the Grafton mascot "Black Hawks" (spelled at the time "Blackhawks"), when he won the school contest to choose a name. He played Land 'O Lakes baseball for many years as a pitcher, and also had a tryout with the Chicago Cubs. On Oct. 13, 1951 he married Marcella "Marcie" Thelen. She preceded him in death in 2008. Skip was a maintenance supervisor at various WE Energies power plants for 31 years. Skip proudly served his country in the US Army Reserves. He was a 67 year member of the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department, a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton, and Edgewater Golf Club. He enjoyed bowling, and hunting. He had a very artistic side, creating many projects with his talents in wood-burning, calligraphy, and painting. Survivors include his children Mary Kay (the late Frank) Crowell and Mike (Brenda) Eernisse, his grandchildren Katie Crowell, Nick, David (Tanya) and Dr. Christopher (Dr. Katie) Eernisse, two great granddaughters Ava and Maddie, his sister Arliss (Lester) Steffen, and special friend Elaine Beck, other relatives, and many friends. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 11th at 3:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 Washington St., Grafton. Pastor Scott Kruse will preside. He will be buried at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Grafton. Visitation will take place at the CHURCH on Sunday, March 11th from 1:30-3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Cedarburg, is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com Skip's family wishes to thank the staff at Lawlis Family Hospice and Aurora Medical Center in Grafton for their care and compassion.