Dr. William R. Ernst
March 13, 1928 - June 22, 2020
Obituary
SHEBOYGAN FALLS-Dr. William R. Ernst, age 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2020. He was born on March 13, 1928, in Racine, to William and Blanche (Crouch) Ernst.
On Dec. 29, 1951, Bill married his sweetheart, Lucille Pedersen, while serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He excelled academically, earning B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin. Bill was a huge Badgers and Packers fan. His career in public education spanned 46 years, principally as an administrator with the DPI in Madison.
Bill had a warm and outgoing personality and loved engaging total strangers in conversation. The Ernst home was continually abuzz with guests, good food, table games, and lively discussions. But the passion of his life was God. He loved God’s Word and taught the Bible at Faith Baptist Church and Buckeye Evangelical Free Church. He knew how much he needed a Savior and was deeply grateful for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
Bill is survived by his son, Eric (Marlies) Ernst; daughter, Ellice (Richard) Dunsterville; brother-in-law, Rev. Steven (Kathy) Pedersen; sister-in-law, Lois Pedersen; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dear wife; his parents; and his brother, George (Ruth) Ernst.
Due to the new COVID-19 restrictions, visitors can greet the family from their cars at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020. A private service will follow. Burial will take place at Blooming Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Jul 3, 2020 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
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Memories
JJ
JOSEPH POHLOD JR
Other •
Bill and Lu were very good neighbors for many years, I do miss them.
DC
Druscilla Carr
Other •
Bill and Lu were good church friends and neighbors. Gaylord and I had a lot of fun bowling with them. I have great memories of many candlelight dinners in their lovely home. Other memories include many bible studies, church picnics and wonderful fellowship. Everyone who knew them knew that they were a couple who dearly loved our Lord. My sympathies to their family. Druscilla Carr
AA
Al & Marilyn Andrews
Other •
Eric and Marlies, sending our love and condolences. Praying God's comfort for the family. -Al & Marilyn Andrews
RJ
Roger and Fay Jones
Other •
Ericc, Marlies and Family,
We send our love and prayers and our thanks to Our Heavenly Father for the remembrance of your Dad and his walk in this life with Jesus. What a blessing to know he is now with his Lord.
Roger and Fay Jones
MB
Mary Ellen Bakken
Other •
Dearest Ellice and Family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers surround you all on the passing of your father. What an amazing life and legacy he left for his grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, and friends that loved him. How lucky you and Eric were to be loved and supported by such special parents. They were respected, admired, and such blessings to the Glendale Neighborhood. May the many wonderful memories of past years fill your heart with joy and bring smiles to you all. Hugs, especially to my former, sweet student.
Mary Ellen (O’Connor) Bakken
RM
Ron and Crol Mach
Other •
Enst family, Carol and I are saddened by the death of Bill and your loss. As neighbors of Bill and Lou at Oakwood Village Prairie ridge, we remember Bill's booming voice as he sang his way down the row of apartments, his conversations interlaced with favorite Bible quotes, and the emptiness we felt as Lou and Bill moved to another care community. We join you as you commend Bill to God's resurrection peace. In Christ, Ron and Carol Mach