Carl J. Ernst

Carl J. Ernst, 88, of Bellevue, passed away, Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning, February 16, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellevue. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation for Carl will be held from 3:007:00 p.m. Friday evening at the Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service and again on Saturday morning after 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home until procession to church. Carl was born on July 12, 1924 in Bellevue, Iowa, son of Joseph and Josephine (Ries) Ernst. He married Olivia Ambrosy on September 19, 1945 in St. Donatus Catholic Church. Carl was a farmer his entire life, farming was his passion. He was a warm hearted gentle soul with a twinkle in his eye for all who knew him. Carl and Olivias home on their farm always had open doors for friends and family gatherings that included card games and food for all. Carl was a devoted Catholic, he and Olivia were living examples of what a true faith filled life can be. This in turn molded their childrens faith filled lives. He had unconditional love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 67 years, Olivia, of Bellevue; his six children, Elaine (Bill) Vander Meulen, Gary (Carol) Ernst, Dale (Carla) Ernst, Diane (Len) Kotz, all of Dubuque, Steven (Gale) Ernst, of Peosta and Carla (Ted) Chumbley, of Bellevue; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; three brothers, Gregory (Pat), of Bellevue, Donald (Frieda), of Andrew, and Herbert (Joanne), of Dubuque; and a sister, Mary Lou (Lawrence) Griebel, of Bellevue. He was preceded in death by his parents; great grandson, William Vander Meulen Jr.; four brothers, Harold, Joe, Norbert, and Marvin (Jim); and two sisters, Algean Ernst and Alice Weinschenk. The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Hendrik Schultz, The Bellevue Ambulance and the staff at Mercy Medical Center for the great care and compassion shown to Carl. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com