Harvey Lee Ernst, 88, died on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at Faith Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Funeral Services were conducted on Wednesday, May 17,at the church. Burial followed at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Litchfield. Litchfield Family Funeral Services assisted the family with arrangements.
Mr. Ernst was born on Dec. 23, 1934, in Litchfield, to the late Louis H. and Clara M. (Gehner) Ernst. He married Dorothy Ann Hartke on Feb. 12, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Litchfield, and she survives. Growing up, he helped his father farm in New Douglas, Waggoner, and finally Litchfield. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvel, and graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1952.
Mr. Ernst worked for Litchfield Floral Gardens, and in December 1956 he began employment with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, in St. Louis, MO. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1957, stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Fort Gordon, GA, and Fort Sill, OK, where he received a certificate of proficiency for artillery radio maintenance; and finally in Olmstead Falls, OH, where he was assigned to the NIKE Missile site. In July 1959, Mr. Ernst was discharged, and he resumed employment at McDonnell Aircraft until a work-related injury in 1974. During employment at McDonnell Aircraft, he received an award for his suggestion, which resulted in significant mechanical improvement in his department.
Their first home was on Short Street in Litchfield, and the Ernsts moved to the country in 1963, where he farmed until his retirement. Mr. Ernst was a current member of the Amvets and a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Litchfield.
He loved genealogy and could find some sort of relationship with most anyone he met. Mr. Ernst loved farm life, from cutting wood, fixing fences, raising cattle, planting and harvesting crops, working on machinery and other farm upkeep. He was an expert on flowers and gardening from his time working at the greenhouse and was always planting some sort of flowers in their terraced flower bed. Mr. Ernst enjoyed traveling with his family on vacations and on trips won with Amway friends to warm destinations. He was an avid map reader and could tell you most roads and destinations in the United States.
He loved playing pinochle with friends and family, and it was often a competition between the men and the women. He has had many interesting adventures to share, including surviving two tornadoes in his lifetime. He loved to reminisce and was known for his sense of humor. He loved spending time and sharing his stories with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Ernst is survived by his children, Charles (Liz) Ernst, Elaine (Scott) Frerichs and Paul (Christine) Ernst; grandchildren, Cassandra (Christopher) Roach, Valerie (Josh) Cain, Eric Ernst, Jennifer (Jake) Fleming, Zachary (Deanna Weaver, significant other) Ernst, Kelsey Ernst, Kellie Frerichs, Cody Frerichs, Brooke Ernst and Carlee Ernst; great-grandchildren, Alec, Colin and Claire Roach, Henry and Lincoln Cain, Emmitt and August Ernst, and Sydney, Miles and Max Fleming; sister, Lois (Ernst) Volentine; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Condolences may be left online at www.Litchfieldffs.com.
