J. Richard Ernst
March 11, 1934 ~ February 2, 2023
Reverend J. Richard Ernst, 88, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023. Memorial Services: 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Hillside Wesleyan Church, Cedar Rapids, by Pastor Kirk Statler. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Private family burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include his children, Joy Ernst (Mike Perkins), John Ernst, and Jerry (Abbey) Ernst; grandchildren, Daniel Rowland, Aaron Rowland, Brandon Rowland, Jacob Ernst, Jonna Ernst, Gabriel Ernst, Harper Ernst, Josiah Ernst, and Lyra Perkins; great-granddaughter, Iyla Rowland; brother, Ron (Esther) Ernst; and many nieces and nephews Joseph Richard Ernst was born on March 11, 1934, in Sloan, Iowa, the son of George and Doris (Miquelon) Ernst. He graduated from Sloan High School, followed by Miltonville College and Phillips University. On June 30, 1955, he married Sara Lee in Aberdeen, South Dakota. With Sara as a faithful partner, Dick embarked on a lifetime of Christian ministry and music spreading the Gospel to all those he encountered. He ministered at Hillside Wesleyan Church for 22 years, then 11 years as a District Superintendent for The Wesleyan Church in Iowa. Not one to retire, he planted the Church of Promise in Buckingham, Iowa, and served as a chaplain for Marketplace Ministries. Dick's beautiful voice and musical gifts amplified his presence.
Dick's genuine compassion placed him in leadership positions for several organizations, including Keys to Living, Bartlesville Wesleyan College, the Association of Linn County Evangelicals, and The Wesleyan Church. He was self-taught in church finance using these talents to grow the organizations he served.He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sara; sister, Evonne Johnson; brother, G. Dale Ernst; and infant sister, Ann Ernst. Memorials may be directed to the family or Hillside Wesleyan Church.
Please share your love and memories with Dick's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Deepest sympathy on the death of a wonderful wonderful man. Pastor Ernst was always so very kind to my late husband and I. I’m sure he is now singing in heaven.
Most Sincerely,
Diana Travnicek-Drummer
Altoona, Iowa
John R. and extended family, Long-ago neighbor from 31st St…I’m so sorry for your loss, your dad being the second of your parents to pass away. This can be very difficult. May the happy memories buoy you through tides of grief.
Joy, John and Jerry,
The memories of all of you and your Dad and Sara, are some of my best. You were blessed with two amazing people for Parents!
I made sure, the 2nd time of being married, that Pastor Ernst officiated our marriage and it meant so much that he agreed to, as he was semi-retired (which seemed to be a label that meant, slow down just a hair) but his words, approval and blessings, have helped us through many challenges.
he was ALWAYS helping lead his flock to Christ, and Heaven will greet him with wide open arms, as we are saddened here that we can’t see him for awhile. He made my world make sense. I loved his stories, his delivery, his cheerful smile, and how you could feel the warmth of his heart radiate across any room. And seeing him “behind the scenes”,as a Parent, allowed me a front row seat, to see he had the same Parental and daily challenges that everyone has, yet he walked the walk and “practiced what he preached”. I love those days and love you all and thank you for allowing me to be taken in under your families wing. It was a snapshot in your eyes,but one that I hold fondly in my heart.
I know he wouldn’t want any of us to be sad, because he’s complete and whole, walking hand in hand again with the love of his life, your amazing Mom Sara, (they were a match truely made in Heaven), but knowing a true Gentleman, Husband, Father, Pastor, Mentor, Leader and Friend, as your Dad, has been called home, leaves a void, for certain.
I’m sure it was difficult to share him with all of us. He has lead so many souls to Heaven, I pray that knowing that, and all the fondest of memories you shared with him , fill your hearts till you see he and your Mom again in Heaven! God bless -Mike Evans
Michael Evans… very well written! Mike Hollan
We were in Pastor Ernst Sunday School Class for many years, that we thoroughly enjoyed. He would try out his ‘jokes’ or stories for his sermon on this class. We’d grown at times, when he’d include them in his sermon, and get the same reaction, he’d tell the congregation his Sunday School Class had warned him. We always learned so much in that class and from his sermons. But he lived that life every moment that he taught about. I thank God we were able to know him. We’re happy to know he’s with Jesus and can reunite with Sara in God’s love.
Joel and Ann Kessler
Mary Ann & I had returned from serving in Australia for a decade. Wesleyan Missions were providing 3 months support for us to find work. We mailed our resume to all the districts. Dick called me. “Are you related to Clarence Barnett?” He asked. “He’s my grandfather,” I replied. Rev. Ernst shared, “When I was born my mother was depressed. Your grandmother took care of me for the first few months of my life.” He invited me to candidate at Hope Wesleyan in Independence, IA. Dick & Sara were a blessing: positive, enthusiastic, loving, gracious & generous… Pastor Dennis Barnett
Pastor Ernst was an inspiration and a Man of God. I have had a outstanding Friendship with his Son Jerry since the 3rd grade, and spent a lot of time at the Ernst residence. I was also active in the Youth Group at Hillside Chruch. Over many years I have observed Pastor Ernst and his positive effect on those around him. He always led his Church by example and would often start his Wednesday night sermon with a joke. He was a true Shepard for the Lord, and has brought countless Sinners out of the dark, and into the Lord’s Light. The world was a much better place with him. Although he has been called home, his Legacy in Christ will remain for future generations through all those he touched. My Sincere Condolences to the Family.
Michael Ronnenberg and Family .