Gordon Eugene Ernst

Gordon Eugene Ernst was born March 20, 1950, to Arnold Elvin and Neva Joyce (Mills) Ernst at Beloit, Kansas, and he died Tuesday, November 4, 2008, at Jewell County Hospital, Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 58 years, 7 months, and 14 days.

Gordon was educated and graduated from Burr Oak High School before attending and graduating from North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit.

Gordon worked at the family farm, and for a period of time at the Mankato Lumber yard, then the Kansas Department of Transportation for several years. He was a very active with golfing, and when he was not golfing with his wife, he was golfing with his nephews. Gordon also enjoyed hunting with his son, moving his daughter several times through her college years, and never missed a sporting event of Brett’s. He enjoyed going to the family farm; “Home”, where he grew up and helping his brother, Curtis.

Gordon was preceded in death by his father, Arnold.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie Ernst of the home; daughter, Emily Ernst of Manhattan, Kansas; son, Brett Ernst of Mankato, Kansas; step-son, Jeffrey Collison of Roseville, California; step-daughter, Elizabeth and husband, Jeremy Seyfert of West Lafayette, Indiana; mother, Neva Ernst of Mankato, Kansas; brother, Curtis Ernst of Mankato, Kansas; sister Brenda and husband, Rex Flinn of Mankato; grandchildren: Reiley and Gage; and nephews: Wyatt and Samuel Flinn; nieces: Vanessa and Carissa Ernst; mother-in-law: Eunice Ells of Mankato; two brothers-in-law: Thomas Ells, and Gerald (Jerry) Ells, both of Mankato; and a host of other realtives and friends.

A celebration of life service was held Friday, November 7, 2008, at 2:00 p.m., at the Burr Oak United Methodist Church, Burr Oak, Kansas, with Pastors Dan Dempsey, and Thaddeus Hinkle, officiating. Music was provided by Wanda Fraiser, pianist, and Kenny Rhea, soloist. Casket bearers were: Jim Zadina, Marty Zadina, Brent Beck, Brian Badger, Jerry Richecky, and Jeffrey Weaverling. Honorary casket bearers were: Chuck Wood, Larry McMains, Thomas Ells, Gerald Ells, Mankato Country Club Members, and Employees from the Kansas Department of Transportation, Mankato. Interment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. The family received friends at the Mortuary from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 6, 2008. The family suggests memorials to: Jewell County Ambulance, EMT’s, or Mankato Country Club. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements