Ernest Ellerbach

HOLY CROSS, IOWA Ernest G. (Ernie). Ellerbach, 87, of Holy Cross, Iowa died Thursday, November 20, 2014 at his home. Friends may call from 3 - 8 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2014, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross where a parish vigil service will be held at 3:00 p.m., and Scherrman-Peterson American Legion Post 656 will gather at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2014, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery where American Legion Post 656 will accord military honors. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate. Ernie was born on December 1, 1926 to George and Regina (Hullerman) Ellerbach on the family farm east of Holy Cross, Iowa. He attended Holy Cross Catholic School graduating 8th grade. Ernie helped on the family farm prior to being drafted into the U.S. Army on June 16, 1945 at Ft. Snelling, MN. Ernie served as part of the Military Police Force serving at Ft. Leavenworth, KS and Ft. Hood, TX. On January 28, 1948 Ernie married Dorothy Marie Leick at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Buena Vista, IA. Together they farmed south of Holy Cross for 40 years. Ernie was well known for his Brown Swiss herd, HyLine chickens and raising pigs. After retiring, they moved into the town of Holy Cross. Ernie remained active helping out on the family farm, now run by his son, Don and family. His garden was his pride and joy, as he grew a wide variety of vegetables, which they canned and froze for family. He enjoyed making homemade soup with his garden produce. Ernie was a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Holy Name Rosary Society, Catholic Order of Foresters and American Legion. He served on the Farm Bureau Board for 16 years, Farm Service Board for 14 years, Dubuque Extension Board for 8 years and Brown Swiss Association. He thoroughly enjoyed being a "Grandpa", the grandchildren spend many over nights and enjoyed grandpa and grandma's birthday celebrations complete with cake, ice cream and presents. He loved going for rides with Dorothy around the countryside between Dyersville and Guttenberg stopping for lunch or ice cream. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy (Leick) Ellerbach, his children: Dan (Carol) Ellerbach of Bellevue, IA, Connie (Kirby Holmes) Ellerbach of Foster City, CA, Don (Terri) Ellerbach of Holy Cross, IA, Gary (Linda) Ellerbach of Lisbon, IA, his grandchildren: Lyle Barth, Gina (Alex Tone) Ellerbach, Keith Ellerbach, Laura (Adam Menzel) Ellerbach, Jon (Mandi Flynn & Graci) Ellerbach, Michael Ellerbach, Dalton (Stephanie Yarolem) Ellerbach, Skylar Ellerbach, his siblings: Bernard, Larwrence and Gerald (Darleen) Ellerbach, Kay Daly and Bernice Honkomp, in-laws, Merlin (Ruth) Leick, Irma Schrobilgen, Florence (Clarence) Kennicker, Betty Leick and Arnie (Vicky) Leick. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Edwin and his brother William (Gladys) Ellerbach, in-laws: Lucille (Irvin) Stoffel, Marina (Jack) Hess, Rosemary (Dick) Tharp, Melvin Schrobilgen, Leonard Leick, Leander Steffen, James Daly and Gilbert Honkomp, and nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque. The family of Ernest would like to say Thank You to Dr. Mark Liaboe, Dr. Alex Horchak, Dr, Anthony Markham, Hospice of Dubuque, Nichole, Jen, Jan and Amy and most of all his "Special Care Angels" Gina and Mandi.