Rick Ernst, 63, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday April 18, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein.  Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Sunday April 23, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.  Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 AM on Monday April 24, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein.  Interment will be at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Ricky Gene Ernst was born on May 9, 1953 in Cresco to parents Robert and Vicki (Reicks) Ernst.  He graduated from Oelwein High School with the class of 1971.  Rick continued his education at Iowa State University.  On October 15, 1977 he was united in marriage with Lori Ohl at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein.  Rick had been employed with Upper Explorerland in Postville and retired following 25 years of service to the Mental Health Institute in Independence.

Rick enjoyed hunting, planting flowers, and sports-especially his Iowa State Cyclones.  Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family.  Rick gave as generously in death, as he did in life by donating through the Iowa Donor Network.

Celebrating Rick’s life are his wife Lori; his children Alex Ernst of Ames and Chris (fiancé Aunna) Ernst of Forest City; his sisters: Connie Bliss of Des Moines, Bev (Duane) Schommer of Hazleton and Deb Reisner of Pleasant Hill; his mother and father-in-law; his brothers and sisters -in-law; his dog Gracie and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, twin brothers in infancy and two brothers-in-law.