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Rick Ernst
May 9, 1953 - April 18, 2017

Rick Ernst, 63, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday April 18, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein.  Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Sunday April 23, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.  Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 AM on Monday April 24, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein.  Interment will be at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Ricky Gene Ernst was born on May 9, 1953 in Cresco to parents Robert and Vicki (Reicks) Ernst.  He graduated from Oelwein High School with the class of 1971.  Rick continued his education at Iowa State University.  On October 15, 1977 he was united in marriage with Lori Ohl at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein.  Rick had been employed with Upper Explorerland in Postville and retired following 25 years of service to the Mental Health Institute in Independence.

Rick enjoyed hunting, planting flowers, and sports-especially his Iowa State Cyclones.  Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family.  Rick gave as generously in death, as he did in life by donating through the Iowa Donor Network.

Celebrating Rick’s life are his wife Lori; his children Alex Ernst of Ames and Chris (fiancé Aunna) Ernst of Forest City; his sisters: Connie Bliss of Des Moines, Bev (Duane) Schommer of Hazleton and Deb Reisner of Pleasant Hill; his mother and father-in-law; his brothers and sisters -in-law; his dog Gracie and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, twin brothers in infancy and two brothers-in-law. 

 

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Lyle & Nancy Miller on April 24, 2017 at 10:08 AM said:

Please accept our sincere condolences. Great guy with that sly sense of humor! --& the cyclones are looking pretty good--he'll be happy to hear that
Joe Rosonke on April 24, 2017 at 8:54 AM said:

Lori and boys, So sorry to hear a Rick. We will keep you in our prayers to help you get through this difficult time. God Bless Joe & Jean Rosonke
Shannon & Debbie Hershey on April 23, 2017 at 7:50 PM said:

We are so sorry for your loss. Sympathy to the Ernst family ??Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Mary Cross on April 23, 2017 at 2:50 PM said:

I send you my sincere sympathy. Rick was a really nice neighborhood kid to the Cross family.
John and Rosie Moser on April 23, 2017 at 8:07 AM said:

We remember Rick and Lori as neighbors across the street to our rental house on 4th Av NE. After working long hours they would welcome us over for an occasional beer before heading back to Postville. As newcomers to Oelwein we appreciated their hospitality and friendship and ISU alumnis (John& Rick). Alex and Chris were just toddlers. Rick was thrilled to be a dad. He loved his family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Deb (Ohl) Cannon on April 22, 2017 at 12:59 PM said:

Lori, my sympathy goes to you and your family. I am so sorry to hear of our loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Ohl Robbins on April 22, 2017 at 6:42 AM said:

Very sorry to hear of your loss. May God keep you and yours close at this difficult time.
Marilyn Melick on April 22, 2017 at 6:37 AM said:

My deepest sympathies to the Ernst family. I was fortunate to be one of Rick's friends and coworkers at MHI. He was always so kind and respectful to everyone. He treated our patients with compassion and was supportive of our staff. And he had such a wicked sense of humor! Our world has lost a wonderful man. We will miss him.
Otto Arcaute on April 22, 2017 at 4:52 AM said:

A great person and terrific classmate that will always be remembered and greatly missed.
Michelle ludwig on April 21, 2017 at 10:02 PM said:

I am so sorry for his passing. I do remember talking with him when I was cutting patients hair at the MHI. He was a very nice person. He will be deeply missed. Michelle
Ken Magsamen on April 21, 2017 at 6:09 PM said:

So very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. Few people at MHI commanded the respect from supervisors, coworkers, and clients that he did. He was a quiet and gentle man and will be dearly missed.
Susan Eldridge on April 21, 2017 at 4:18 PM said:

Oh, Lori! You have our love and sympathy. I was stunned to hear from you. We are away from home, helping my brother during his recuperation while his wife is away at a wedding out of state. Just know we have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs ..
Debbie Miller on April 21, 2017 at 1:10 PM said:

Thinking of you. Remembering the days at Mike's IGA and all the fun times and hard work. It was great to work with both Rick and Bob. He will be deeply missed.
Charline Clark Schmitt on April 21, 2017 at 11:54 AM said:

I was very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. My heart goes out to you all at this sad time. May you take comfort in God's promise of everlasting life.
Maribeth Nading Chase on April 21, 2017 at 10:59 AM said:

Dear Ernst family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Rick was a great guy. I lived next door to him for many years. please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
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