FREDERICK RAYMOND ERNST 1869-1957

ERNST, PEARSON, TEETER

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 6/8/2005 at 15:28:11

FREDERICK RAYMOND ERNST 1869-1957

Frederick Raymond Ernst, son of Jefferson and Sarah Ernst, was born November 29, 1869 at Belvidere, Illinois. He died at his home in Postville, Tuesday, January 15, 1957, at the age of 87 years.

The Ernst family moved from Belvidere, Illinois to Luana in 1870 when Fred was one year old. He attended school in Luana.

He was married to Jessie June Pearson of Hardin on August 28, 1890 at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

To this union four sons were born, all of whom survive. They are: Leslie Earl, Paul Fred, Theodore Jess, all of Long Beach, California, and Leo Wilbur of St. Paul, Minnesota. He is also survived by his wife, three grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. Edith Teeter of Charles City, Iowa.

Fred Ernst began working for the railroad at the age of 17 when he worked as a brakeman. After 40 years of railroad service he retired as a conductor. He then went to California where he and his wife lived for a year and a half. They then went to St. Paul, Minnesota where Fred worked in a foundry for five years. Postville then became their home. Fred worked as a watchman at the creamery in Postville for one year. The remaining 25 years was lived in Postville.

Fred Ernst was baptized at the Luana Methodist Church. The church awarded him a Bible for perfect attendance at Sunday School for one year.

Funeral services were held at the Schutte Funeral Home, Friday, January 18, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Walter T. Martin in charge of the rites. Burial was in the Luana cemetery.

Postville Herald - contributed by Mary Durr