Lois Arlene Ernst

Lois Arlene Ernst was born December 27, 1928, the daughter of Bernhard “Ben” and Hilda (Ackelbein) Klinker in Charter Oak, Iowa. Lois, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Gracewell – Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa, after a very brief stay following her move from Silveridge, where she resided for six years.

She was baptized as an infant at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, on January 20, 1929, and later confirmed her faith there on April 23, 1943. She received her education at a country school, St. John Lutheran Church School and graduated from Charter Oak High School with the class of 1947.

On December 14, 1947, she was united in marriage to Merle Ernst at St. John's Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, Iowa. They settled on the family farm north of Schleswig and spent their entire married time at this location. The couple was blessed with the birth of five children: Diane, Allen, Denise, Jerry and Donita.

Lois was a farm wife, a homemaker, and a devoted full-time mother lovingly caring for her five children. She enjoyed cooking for big family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and holidays. Lois enjoyed reading, bowling, traveling, gardening, playing cards, listening to contemporary Christian music, but most of all being in the company of her children and grandchildren. She also attended her children and grandchildren’s many sporting events and activities. Lois was a kind person who enjoyed giving or helping others when needed. Lois cared for her husband on the farm for 15 years after his stroke. She was a loving and devoted caregiver to him. Family meant everything to her.

Before her husband’s stroke, Lois and Merle were able to do some traveling with destinations including Australia, Europe, and numerous trips to Hawaii. They also enjoyed bowling on a mixed league with friends for many years, as well as card clubs. After the closing of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lois and Merle became members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 60 years, Merle Ernst in 2008; daughter, Denise Ernst in 2007; three brothers: Alvern, Norman, and Ben Jr.; two sisters: Helen Schmidt and Elaine Reitz, and son-in-law, Phil Taylor.

She is survived by two sons: Allen (Cher) Ernst of Wheaton, Illinois and Jerry (Barb) Ernst of Schleswig; two daughters: Diane Taylor of Parker, Colorado and Donita (Dan) Mork of Sac City; 11 grandchildren: Dee Dee Fix, Danel Kuhlmann, Jason (Kristen) Ernst, Bryan (Megan) Ernst, Christie (Justin) O’Bryan, Nick Ernst (fiancée, Samantha), Michael (Christina) Queenan, Nicole (Bob) Jurgensen, Ryan (Laura) Ernst, Matt (Ashley) Mork, and Mallory (Wade) Williams; 28 great-grandchildren: Devin (Tommy) Curtis, Tanner and Duncan Smith, Maison Fix, Ciara (Lewis) Wilcox, Civana Kuhlmann, Cassie, Skylee, Justin, Amelia and Jesse Ernst, Jacob, Kaeson, Emery and Aaliyah Ernst, Michael, Dominic, Kendal and Gianna Queenan, Sydnee and Saydee Jurgensen, Whitney and Haley Ernst, Kaleb, Kenna and Kolter Mork, Wyatt Williams, and Joselyn O’Bryan; two step-great-grandchildren: Ben Jurgensen and Emily (Bryce) Strumpfer; four great-great-grandchildren: Davie and Ralston Curtis, Ffion and Freya Wilcox; step-great-great-granddaughter, Millie Jurgensen; sister-in-law, Audrey (Jim) Munson; many beloved nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig. Her funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig with interment to follow in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery of Grant Township in Ida County. Memorials may be directed to the family. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Schleswig, IA Facebook Page and the following following YouTube link: https://youtube.com/live/ZAJleiQqdlY