Lawrence Ernst

Hastings resident, Lawrence L. "Larry" Ernst, 78, passed away Friday, July 31, 2015 at his home.

Rosary will be Tuesday, August 4, 2015; 6:30 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, August 5, 2015; 10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Hastings with Father Joseph M. Walsh and Father Thomas Brouillette officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Memorials may be given to Larry Ernst Memorial Fund. Visitation will be Monday, August 3, 2015; 1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 4, 2015; 1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home, one hour prior to service at the church.

Larry was born August 20, 1936 in Brunswick, Nebraska to Alvin & Vera (Sladek) Ernst. He moved to Hastings in 1951 and graduated from Hastings St. Cecilia High School in 1954 and Milford Trade School. Larry married Jean Petitt on May 12, 1956 at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Hastings and then moved to Lincoln. They moved back to Hastings in 1963 when he started Larry's Refrigeration; retiring in 1997 due to health reasons. Larry was a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Third Degree St. Cecilia's Council #11823, Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Pius XII Assembly #608, served as Grand Knight two terms from 1989 to 1992, Faithful Navigator of Fourth Degree from 1979 to 1986, District Deputy from 1992 to 1994, State Health Services Chairman from 1984 to 1988 and was Knights of Columbus State Family of the Year in 1995. He was very involved in the Hastings Catholic Activities Association and St. Cecilia athletics by coaching, scorekeeping, and was clock operator. Larry was an avid University of Nebraska and Ripon College football fan. He enjoyed spending time attending his grandchildren's activities.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Evelyn McDaniel; brother, Paul Ernst; and two granddaughters, Nicole Ernst and Sally Ernst.

SURVIVORS:
Wife:
Jean Ernst - Hastings, NE
Children:
Ron (Janet) Ernst - Ripon, WI
Gary (Shelly) Ernst - Ayr, NE
Greg (Darla) Ernst - Lincoln, NE
Larry Ernst, Jr. - Hastings, NE
Kathy (Keith) Napier - Hastings, NE
Grandchildren:
Tarah (Ernst) & Ben Greenfield - Hickman, NE
Brad Ernst - Gurley, NE
Timothy & Katherine Ernst - Grafton, WI
Bryan & Lesley Ernst - Ripon, WI
Grady Ernst - Lincoln, NE
John & Jenna Ernst - Ripon, WI
Theodore John Ernst - North Platte, NE
Bailey Ernst - Lincoln, NE
Kaitlyn Ernst - Ayr, NE
Grace Napier - Hastings, NE
Connor Ernst - Lincoln, NE
Trevor Ernst - Ayr, NE
Emalee Napier - Hastings, NE
Adam Napier - Hastings, NE
Great-Grandchildren:
Addison Greenfield - Hickman, NE
Evan Greenfield - Hickman, NE
Jaedin Ernst - Gurley, NE
Gage Ernst - Gurley, NE
Caleb Ernst - Grafton, WI
Emma Ernst - Grafton, WI
Binyam Ernst - Ripon, WI
Amelia Ernst - Ripon, WI
Brothers:
Dennis (Gerry) Ernst - Anchorage, AK
Glenn (Aleen) Ernst - TX