Dolores "Dee" Ernst

Dolores Dee Ernst, 86, of Bellevue, passed away Saturday, December 9, 2017, at her home in Bellevue.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Bellevue. Visitation for Dee will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue and again Thursday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. also at the funeral home.Dolores was born November 18, 1931, in Trenton, IL, to Ben and Bernadine (Rolves) Wellen. Dee married Gerry Ernst, the love of her life, on May 23, 1951 in Trenton IL and upon completion of his military career they moved to Bellevue, IA, where they have lived for the past 65 years. During her time in Bellevue, she built a loving and tight knit family of nine children, twenty -four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. As a mother of nine kids, she sacrificed selflessly and made sure her kids had a hot breakfast every morning, dinner together every night and treats waiting for them when they came home from school. She also made sure all the children dressed nicely and became a master seamstress. She was an All American mom.For her grandchildren and great grandchildren Dee always had an extra special place in her heart, creating an individual and loving relationship with each one despite the large number of kids. Each child felt a special connection to her as well as she to them. She especially enjoyed family get togethers, where she could show her love and affection to each child.In addition to raising nine children, Dee was involved in many organizations and charities as well. During her kids school years, Dee worked in the lunch room at school where she worked as a server for the students. Additionally, Dee was the President of the American Legion Auxiliary #273, volunteered at the Bread Basket ministry for 20 years, was a Den mother for the Cub Scouts, a member of St. Joseph Catholic church for the past 65 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Gerald Ernst, of Bellevue; five children: Ken (Barb) Ernst, Chuck (Judy) Ernst, Shari (Michael) Beadle, Randy (Ana) Ernst, Cathy (Doug) Oberbroeckling; sons in-law, Bill Lubbers, Ron Duccini and Ken Laaker; daughter in-law, Elaine Ernst; twenty grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, six great grandchildren; siblings, Bernette Dilley, Orville (Doris) Wellen, Ralph Wellen, Claire (Jim) Seiffert, and Bob (Mary) Wellen. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Marvin and Jim; four children: Dianna Lubbers, Jean Laaker, Lori Duccini, and John Ernst; granddaughter, Melissa Ernst and grandson, Alexander Ernst.In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.The Family of Dolores would like to thank Hospice of Jackson County and the entire community for the care and compassion shown to Dee, during her illness.