Bernie A. Ernst Sr.

Bernie A. Ernst Sr., of Perryville, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019 at his residence. He is resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus. Bernie lived 88 years and will be truly missed, but our memories of him will last forever He was born July 29, 1931 in Biehle, MO the middle of 9 children to Joseph L. and Anna C. (Zoellner) Ernst. He and Annamarie Balsman were married June 19, 1954 in Apple Creek, MO. She survives in Perryville, MO. Bernie Sr. was a faithful member and usher of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. He was a US Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of American Legion Post 133. Devoted husband of 65 years and loving Dad, he enjoyed farming, watching his crops grow and raising cattle. He always commented he didn't need to go anywhere on vacation because he spent his life getting where he wanted to be, "On the farm." He loved a good day's work and his wife's good meals. He enjoyed harvesting deer, small game and fishing. He loved riding his farm trails. Other survivors include his three daughters and four sons, Debra Ernst of Imperial, MO, Wanda (Craig) Modde of Festus, MO, Randy (Donna) Ernst of St. Louis, MO, Derek (Helen) Ernst of St. Louis, MO, Brad (Lisa) Ernst of Imperial, MO, Gina (John) Weinkein of Perryville, Bernie Ernst Jr. of Chester, IL; one sister, Anna Mae Blanc of Florissant, MO; five brothers, Joseph (Edith) Ernst of Lake St. Louis, MO, Stan (Barb) Ernst of Creve Couer, MO, Donald (Beverly) Ernst of Arnold, MO, Tom (Bonnie) Ernst of St. Louis, MO, Ed (Joy) Ernst of St. Louis, MO; ten grandchildren, Caleb Hill, Sarah Loness, Sam Modde, Spencer Ernst, Casey Ernst, Cassandra Dippold, Adam Ernst, Audreanna Ernst, Mirranda Pohlman, Meghan Cowan and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Weldon and Birdie Ernst, Arnold and Margaret Ernst; and one brother-in-law, Jim Blanc. Visitation will be held at Ford & Young Chapel on Monday, December 30 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and on Tuesday, December 31 from 6:30 to 9:30 am with rosary at 8:30 am. He will then be taken to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for funeral Mass at 10:00 AM with the Rev. Rich Wehrmeyer officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 133 and Delta Team. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or Mid-America Transplant. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com. Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Bernie A. Ernst Sr.

July 29, 1931 - December 26, 2019