William E. Ernst

William (Bill) E. Ernst of Wahoo, Nebraska died Saturday March 16, 2013 in South Haven Living Center. Bill passed away peacefully while asleep.

Bill was born May 11, 1933 in Columbus, Nebraska to Peter and Gertrude (Lordemann) Ernst. Bill graduated from St. Bonaventure High School in 1951 and joined the Navy. He saw the world from the USS Midway and crossed the equator several times. After the Navy Bill worked for Reed, Veach and Wurdeman for the next 32 years. During this time Bill met and married Luella Bankson on September 6, 1958 at St. Bonaventure Church in Columbus. Together they had 4 children. Bill had a love for the outdoors and was happiest with a fishing rod in his hand. Later in life, Bill and Luella lived in Lenora, Kansas where he was the plant manager at Rural Telephone and Mayor of Lenora. After his political career, Bill and Luella relocated to Bemidji, Minnesota working for Wilde Construction and retiring in 2001. Bill was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, photography and reading.

He is survived by loving wife Luella of Wahoo, NE,; 4 children Kim Jenne of Bellevue, NE; Kelli (Briant) Lorenzen of Kearney, NE; Greg (Jodi) Ernst of Elkhorn NE; and Gina (Pat) Morgan of Hastings MN; Sisters Stacey Case of Plattsmouth, NE and Louise (Roy) Nyffeler of Columbus, NE; 4 grandchildren; Zach Ernst, Andy Ernst, Emily Ernst, Jake Morgan and numerous nephews and nieces.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents.