Robert "Bob" Ernst, 91, of Oelwein passed away on Wednesday March 27, 2013 at Cedar Valley Hospice House in Waterloo.  Visitation will be 5-8PM on Sunday March 31, 2013 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home and for one hour before the services at the church.  Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Monday April 1, 2013 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein.  He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein.

Bob was born on November 7, 1921 in Cadott, Wisconsin, the son of Otto and Florence (Libbey) Ernst. He passed away very peacefully on March 27, 2013 with his family by his side. Bob was united in marriage to Viola “Vicki” Reicks on August 1, 1944 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco, Iowa. He worked in the grocery business most of his life. Bob enjoyed gardening, tinkering around the home and just the simple things in life, but his greatest love was his family. Bob leaves behind a loving family and many friends who will all miss him.

He is survived by a son, Rick (Lori) Ernst of Oelwein, three daughters, Connie Bliss of Des Moines, Iowa, Bev (Duane) Schommer of Hazelton, Iowa and Deb Reisner of Altoona, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Brad Bliss, Robert Schommer, Brett Schommer, Heather Ferguson, Ben Reisner, Alex Ernst and Chris Ernst; eleven great grandchildren, Jordon Bliss, Courtney Bliss, Andy Schommer, Elizabeth Schommer, Whitney Schommer, Brandon Schommer, Blake Schommer, Libby Ferguson, Kyler Skaggs, Claire Reisner and Brynn Reisner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki on December 7, 1999; his parents, Otto and Florence; twin sons, Jerry and Larry; and two sons-in-law.