Kenneth E. Ernst

Kenneth E. Ernst, age 77 of Highland, IL, died Monday, October 12, 2015, at Alhambra Care Center in Alhambra, IL. He was born on Friday, October 7, 1938, in Highland, IL, the son of Lawrence and Velma (nee Kruse) Ernst. On Friday, August 8, 1958, he married Judith A. Ernst (nee Strebel) who passed away on November 18, 2008. He was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ; 4-H Leader; Polled Hereford Association; DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association); Outstanding Young Farmer Award. Kenneth was born and grew up in Highland. He graduated from Highland High School in 1956. He served with United States Air Force. He farmed until 1984. He and his wife operated the House of Plenty for 27 years. He was a "Jack of all trades" and had many jobs. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating and antique tractors. Survivors include: Son - Todd A. (Sheri) Ernst, Highland, IL Daughter - Michele "Shelly" L. (Joe) Dale, Villa Ridge, MO Son - Greg "Ernie" S. (Chris) Ernst, Pocahontas, IL Son - Chad J. (Richelle) Ernst, Alhambra, IL Son - Tory J. (Carmen) Ernst, Alhambra, IL Daughter - Cara M. (Matthew) Gelly, Highland, IL Grandchild - Jared T. (fiancee Megan) Ernst Grandchild - Andrew S. (Laura) Ernst Grandchild - Katie J. (Carl) Richter Grandchild - Kyle S. (Heather) Ernst Grandchild - Meggie A. Ernst Grandchild - Aubrey E. (Travis) Zobrist Grandchild - Mathew C. Dale Grandchild - Chelsey R. (Lee) Short Grandchild - Courtney R. Ernst Grandchild - Camie B. Ernst Grandchild - Taylor A. Ernst Grandchild - Blake R. Ernst Grandchild - Kenzie M. Gelly Grandchild - Lexa A. Gelly Grandchild - Karigan J.P. Gelly Great Grandchild - Hailey J. Richter Great Grandchild - Haydyn Ernst Great Grandchild - Tristyn Ernst Great Grandchild - Koralyn Ernst Great Grandchild - Madelyn Ernst Great Grandchild - Josephine Ernst Great Grandchild - Addison Short Great Grandchild - Liam Short Brother - Larry D. (Vicki L.) Ernst, Breese, IL Sister - Ruth Ann Ernst, Dallas, TX He was preceded in death by: Father - Lawrence W. Ernst (Died 12/19/99) Mother - Velma D. Ernst (Died 11/29/2006) Wife - Judith A. Ernst (Died 11/18/2008) Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, October 19, 2015, at Grantfork United Church of Christ in Grantfork, IL. Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 19, 2015, at Grantfork United Church of Christ in Grantfork, IL., with Rev. Christopher W. Hill, Senior Pastor, pastor, Highland, IL, officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association; Heartland Hospice; Evangelical United Church of Christ.

Kenneth E. Ernst

October 7, 1938 - October 12, 2015