10/05/2026
Friends, please keep our band members of DSB die Schlauberger in your hearts and prayers as well as Ernie and Jeff's family.
We have also known these 2 gentlemen and it is truly a sorrowful moment.
RIP and Fly High Ernie and Jeff .
It was with great sorrow over the weekend, that the band received the sad news, that back home two of our close band brothers had suddenly passed away. We were away on tour and first learned of Ernie’s passing, while we were sound-checking earlier in the day. We were then further shocked when we received the news about his brother, Jeff, just before we hit the stage for that night’s performance. It was a rough night to get through, for sure, but we dedicated our weekend shows and specifically, “Free/Into the Mystic”, in memory of our lost friends. 🙏🙏
Ernie was our long-time & dedicated bus driver, who was the first to get behind the wheel, and get us safely, from town to town and show to show. He first started driving the band in 1998 and had been with us ever since. Ernie always enjoyed the camaraderie of the band road trips and his last drive was only a few weeks ago, on our weekend Oktoberfest trips to Boston and his “Happy Place”, Riedlbauer’s Resort,. The latter was a sort of home away from home, that both Ernie and his brother, Jeff often visited, even if the band wasn’t performing. Early on in the band years, Jeff would also occasionally join us on the road, offering a hand to sell merchandise, whenever he was needed. Jeff and his beloved, Linda, also attended many dSb shows over the years.
We will greatly miss our brothers, who were very much a part of the band, going back to our earliest days. It was unfathomable to us that we would lose them both on the same day, but we take some comfort in knowing that they have made the journey together. We appreciate all the outpouring of kind messages of condolences received from friends & colleagues of the band, as well as from other bands.
All in the dSb Family send our deepest condolences to Ernie & Jeff’s father Alfred, their brother Eddie, Ernie’s son & daughter in-law, Justin & Stefanie and Jeff’s girlfriend, Linda, who truly dedicated herself to taking care of him over the past year.
We wish you a peaceful rest, our band brothers ✝️😞🙏 and a heavenly Prost, we send to you.
🍺😔
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The funeral arrangements for Jeff and Ernie Fink are, as follows:
Visitation - Wednesday, October 7
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Werst & LaBella Funeral Home
71-41 Cooper Ave
Glendale, NY 11385
Cremation Ceremony -
Thursday, October 8
11:00 am
All Souls Chapel and Crematory
Astoria, NY
