Robert J. Ernst's Obituary
Robert J. "Bob" Ernst, 76, of Decatur, died on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2005 in Imboden Creek Living Center.
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be 10 a.m. Thurs. Aug. 25, 2005 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fr. Jeff Grant celebrating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Decatur. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wed. Aug. 24, 2005 in the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home where a vigil prayer service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Memorials: St. Teresa High School Development Fund or St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Mr. Ernst was born on Aug. 6, 1929 in Decatur the son of Vincent R. "Benny" and Opal P. Wiggins Ernst. Bob was retired from Bivens Juvenile Center where he worked as Superintendent. He was also the Athletic Director and coached all sports at St. Teresa High School from Sept. 1960 to June 1968. Bob graduated from St. Teresa High School; Millikin University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree and then Eastern Illinois University earning a Master's Degree. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Very Reverend Jeremiah J. Murphy Assembly #211 and K of C Council #577. Bob was also a member of the Millikin Quarterback Club as well as the Millikin Letterman's Club. He had a special place in his heart for children therefore he was very active with Big Brother's/Big Sister's and the Special Olympics. Bob was a Korean War Veteran serving in the U.S. Army. He married Mary Ann McDonald on Oct. 13, 1951 in Decatur and she preceded him in death on Aug. 2, 1952.
Surviving is his sister, Carolyn Ernst of Decatur; brother, David "Butch" Karen A. Ernst of Chicago; sisters-in-law: Marie Rademacher and Jean Long both of Decatur; nieces: Janet Ron Ernst, Lisa Jim Feriozzi, Mary Ann Jim Pollard, Martha Jeremy Ernst and Amy Ron Grove; nephews: David Kathy Ernst, Jr., John Rachel Ernst and Vincent Ernst; two great nieces and two great nephews and many-many friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife; an unborn son; brothers: Jack and Thomas Ernst; sisters: Barbara, Janie and Janet Ernst
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