Sara Ernst
August 2, 1934 ~ April 2, 2018
Sara Ellen Ernst, 83, of Cedar Rapids, died on Monday, April 2, 2018. Funeral Services: 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Hillside Wesleyan Church, Cedar Rapids, by Pastor Kirk Statler. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include her husband, Rev. J. Richard Ernst; children, Joy Ernst, John Ernst, and Jerry (Abbey) Ernst; grandchildren, Daniel, Aaron, and Brandon Rowland, Jacob and Jonna Ernst, and Gabriel, Harper and Josiah Ernst; brother, Jack (Jeanne) Lee; sister-in-law, Lois Lee; and many nieces and nephews.
Sara was born August 2, 1934, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the daughter of John and Florence (Jenkins) Lee. On June 30, 1955, she married Joseph Richard Ernst in Aberdeen. Sara was a faithful partner in ministry with her husband. She will be remembered for her gift of music she shared with the church for many years, along with various children's ministries.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Lee; sister, Martha Hovrud; half-brothers, Bernard and Richard Martin; and a half-sister, Violet Egger.
Memorials are suggested to Hillside Wesleyan Church or Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center.
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What a dear lady Sara was. We knew her when we were newlyweds in the 60’s. Sara had me over to her house to teach her how to make pie but I think she just wanted to befriend this young bride from North Dakota! They were our dear pastor and wife for many years and we loved their children and taught them in Sunday School. What a day that will be when we all see Jesus and our dear friends once again. You were loved, dear Sara, especially by your husband who stood my you and cared so much for you. We are honored to have known you. Until we meet again…….
LeMoine and Clarice Hartel
Sara was a wonderful lady. Heaven has gained an 👼.
I have many fond memories of Sara. She and I played many organ/piano duets at Hillside Wesleyan Church for the worship services with Sara at the organ and I at the piano. We had many laughs during our practice sessions. We always told each other if one of us messes up or gets lost in the music piece, the other one should just keep going and eventually we would find each other and end up together. Which we always did. We had our favorite pieces of course which we would pull out of the hat in emergencies. But we also had some difficult pieces we tackled together. We would never turn down a challenge which could mean some improvisions along the way. It always amazed me how we could read each other so keenly which made it always sound perfectly. The congregation would respond so positively to where we would even get applauded. Through the years I have truly missed those moments with Sara and putting our two keyboards together to make beautiful music. She is surely in Heaven playing on that organ with all the angels. Thank you for a special time in my memory.
Becky Dickinson
My wife & I would like to send our sympathy To Pastor & family. For years I have been playing the piano and entertaining at Meadowview. Many times I heard Sara play & Pastor lead service & sing. After Sara went to Westridge, I decided to help out and play in her absence. Pastor has been very appreciative of my playing. My wife’s father was at Meadowview and always enjoyed listening to Sara play & Pastor Dick preach his sermons. Every Saturday I have ever been there, he has talked about his children, grandchildren & Sara. He loved her very dearly.
Dave & Barb Poggenklass Guttenberg, IA.
My husband and I had the privilege of serving on staff at Hillside as youth pastor under the leadership of Dick and Sara Ernst. What a privilege. We had such great times together in ministry. What a precious Godly couple to begin our ministry under.
We are sad that Sara has gone on and left all of us here but what a blessed time she is having with Jesus.
I am praying for Dick, Joy, John and Jerry and their families. We wish we could be at her service but it won’t be possible.
Bill and Marj Kirkpatrick
(Joan Coleman’s sister)
(Daughter of Dale Sailer)
Our memories of Rev. Ernst and Sarah go back to a time before our wedding at Hillside Wesleyan Church 09/19/1970. Sarah and Rev. Ernst sang at our wedding. Together their voices blended beautiful! My sister Joan & husband Leslie Coleman. were members there. We love this couple!
We are sorry for your loss! We were out of town on vacation when Sarah passed away. We wish to express our deepest sympathy.