Eugene L. Ernst, 90, of Humboldt, passed away February 1, 2013 at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2013, at the Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt with the Rev. Christy Ehrle officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Humboldt with full military rites by the Adams American Legion Post 119 and Sathers-Odgaard VFW Post 5240. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. Monday at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt.
Gene is survived by his children, Sandra (Don) Ferneau of Lenexa, KS, Dennis (Mary) Ernst of Humboldt, Diane (Jeffrey) Tordoff of Chariton, and Julie (Dan) Plahn of Ogden; 8 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris; his brothers, Edwin, Duane, Kenneth, and Richard; and his niece, Laurie.
Eugene L. Ernst, the son of Emil C. and Meta M. (Schultz) Ernst, was born November 6, 1922 at Thor, Iowa. He was raised on the farm and received his education in Humboldt County Schools. Following his education, Gene went to work on his aunt and uncle's farm until enlisting into the United States Navy during World War II. He served in the pacific theater as a navy corpsman attached to the 1st Marine Div. Air Wing and saw much action including four major conflicts in the Pacific. Following his honorable discharge, Gene returned home and on March 4, 1947, was united in marriage to Doris Babcock at Humboldt. The couple made their home on a farm near Hardy where they raised their children and managed their farming operations. Gene raised pigs, sheep, horses, and chickens but especially loved cattle. On March 1, 1976, they retired from farming and moved to Humboldt where Gene worked the next 23 years for the Chantland Company. He then went to work for Ampride where he remained for 11 years until his death.
Gene was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church. He was an avid card player, especially Pitch and Smear, and enjoyed golfing.