Joe Ernst
November 5, 1932 ~ January 17, 2020
Joe Ernst, 87, of Hiawatha, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020, at his home. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend Don Czapla. Visitation: one hour prior to the service at church. Burial with Military Honors: St. Mary's Cemetery, rural Urbana. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is caring for Joe and his family.
Survivors include his siblings, Eileen (Dean) Wayson of San Diego, California, Mary Struzynski of Tiffin, and Earl (JoAnne) Ernst of Marion; brother-in-law, Ron Franklin of Central City; numerous nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, friends, and Iowa Man. colleagues.
Joseph John Ernst was born November 5, 1932, to Leo and Margaret (Kleitsch) Ernst on the family farm in rural Urbana. Joe joined the US Army, serving his country with pride in Korea. He began working for Iowa Manufacturing in 1950, cutting metal with perfectly straight lines'he was known to be the 'best of the best' at Iowa Man. He proudly retired after 46 and a half years in 1996. Joe enjoyed old tractors, going to farm sales, enjoying coffee with the guys at local cafes such as Oscar's in Hiawatha, and was very skilled with his hands'he could fix just about anything. He belonged to the Cedar Rapids VFW Post 788 and the Marion American Legion Post 298, and was a long-time member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Franklin; nephew, Gary Franklin; and brother-in-law, Ivan Struzynski.
Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in Joe's name.
Joe's family would like to thank Dr. Ghosh and staff for their generous care given to Joe.
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We were very sad to learn of Joe’s passing today. He was a bright spot in our regular early morning Panera coffee on Mondays and Thursdays – except for the first Thursday of the month when he met friends in Marion. What a lovely man! As Joe would say to us as we left each time, “See you again.” We’ll look forward to it — Marty Keyes Gieryng & Henry Keyes
My sympathies go out to Joe’s family. Joe’s warm smile and friendly words were the first thing to greet me at 6 o’clock every Wednesday morning when we would both arrive at Panera. Joe would always have a comment about the news, weather, life in general. And of course each comment was accompanied with that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He would share where he was going next for another coffee or what project he and buddies we’re going to tackle that day. What a nice guy. I will miss him. Theresa Driscoll
Joe has been our next door neighbor since he built his house in 1993. Joe was the best neighbor that anyone could ever have. He would always volunteer to help us any way that he could. I will long remember Joe and I racing to see who would be the first out on Winter mornings to plow the snow from our driveways. Joe made it out of the house before me most of the time! The look on Joe’s face when my wife would bake cookies and send a plate of fresh ones over to him was priceless. Joe will certainly be missed.
I was so sorry to read of Joe’s passing in today’s paper. Many years ago after early Sunday Mass at St. Matthews, my wife & I + our young kids encountered Joe in the church parking lot having issues with his car. He thought his brother could help, so we volunteered to drive him to his brother’s house in Marion. Joe never forgot our act of kindness, and we would always reminisce about that day whenever I’d see him at church. He was a great guy – my sympathy to his family. – Dan Sullivan
First met Joe at Panera’s and naturally started talking about cars and his Mercury. Always had a smile on his face and that cap he wore. Friendly, upbeat and always willing to stop and chat a bit. He will definitely be missed by his many friends at the coffee shop. Super nice guy. Don Boland
Sorry to hear of your loss, may he rest in eternal peace. Prayers for the family and friends. Terry and Judy McDougal
We were shocked when we heard about Joe passing. We met him at church long time ago and have set by him ever since. Always new your name and had a few kind words to say. He had a smile we will never forget. He will be deeply missed. Our sympathy to the whole family. Bill and Jan Spratte
Joe was a delight to visit with at Panera on Wednesday mornings before our Ladies Bible Study. He always had a smile and asked how things were going. My husband and I would visit with him for a few minutes on the Sundays we would pick up bagels for St. Mark’s. We send our condolences to his entire family and pray you’ll find comfort and peace. Don and Marie Chaon
RIP Joe. Met Joe while working at Iowa Manufacturing ,he was the best man with a torch.Always had a smile and was a kind and helping man. Enjoyed running into him once and a while last time was at Jonesy’s in Center Point,and got to visit a couple of minutes. You will be missed and prayers to your family.
I just learned of Joe’s passing today and was moved to tears. You see we were on a first name basis for decades. Joe loved pies and I loved seeing Joe, anytime! He was a true gentleman, kind with his words and never in a bad mood. I will miss him. Kathy McCauley Former owner of Kathy’s Pies, Inc.