Henry A. Ernst, 92, of Hillsboro, died on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. at his residence.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Rosary will begin at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 18, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Hillsboro with Father Daniel Willenborg, pastor of St. Agnes Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery in Coffeen. Military rites will be accorded by VFW Post 1306 and American Legion Post 425.
Mr. Ernst was born May 29, 1927, in Fillmore Township, to Arthur William and Catherine Barbara (Sommer) Ernst. He married Beverly Marie Sellers on Sept. 26, 1953, in Coffeen, and she survives.
He served in the U.S. Army in the occupation of Germany during the Korean War era.
An entrepreneur, Mr. Ernst owned and operated Travis and Ernst Auto Repair, and also served as a repairman at Coffeen Coal Mine for seven years and mechanic at Wright's Ford Garage in Hillsboro.
He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Hillsboro, Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 425. He was a faithful blood donor.
During his lifetime, Mr. Ernst lived in Coffeen and Hillsboro.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, David (wife Belinda) Ernst of Harvel, Steve (wife Ruth) Ernst, Judy (husband Greg) Shannon, Phillip (companion Lora Emerson) Ernst, all of Hillsboro, and Dan (wife Lori) Ernst of Rochester; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Frances Catherin Weitekamp of Raymond.
Mr. Ernst was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Marie Terneus, Lester Ernst and John Ernst.
Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.basspattondeanfh.com.
