LEXINGTON: Don Ernster carried a prayer book from The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. It helped keep him in an attitude of adoration, love, thanksgiving, petition, compassion, expiation and union. His prayer on page 60: “may I die like the holy patriarchs, leaving without regret this vale of tears to enjoy everlasting rest in my true home” was granted Wednesday morning, as Don went to be with the Lord from OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. He was 89.
Born Donald Henry Ernster June 19, 1926 in Caledonia, Minnesota to Raymond and Philomena (Thery) Ernster, Don was graduated from Loretta High School. He served as a Brother with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart from 1953 to 1973 and later worked 26 years in sales and service with Hobart.
Don was a devout member of Resurrection Parish, and will be remembered as a gentle gentleman.
He is survived by stepchildren Albert & Tammy Kopina of Wooster, Vicky Wellington of Centerville, TN, Mary Ann & Kenneth Flutz and Kay & Michael Scheurer both of Mansfield; stepdaughter-in-law Linda Kopina of Bellville; grandchildren Dawn & Rocky Geary, Kenneth Fultz, Jr. & Virginia Fultz, Joseph Kopina, Matthew Kopina, Allyson Kopina, Emily Kopina, Rena Caldwell, Nathan Morganstern, Connie & Eric Homerick, Julia & Jeff Hayostek, and Theresa Scheurer; nine great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; sisters Virginia Albert of Caledonia, MN and Sister M. Virgeen of Rochester, MN.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia (Phillips) Ernster on February 27, 2005. Also deceased are a stepson Daniel Kopina; grandchildren Steven Kopina and Wendy Knipfer; a great grandchild Lindsay Simmons; and sons-in-law Richard Wellington and Joel Hayostek.
His family will receive friends Sunday, November 22, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where a Christian Prayer service will follow at 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday at 10:30 a.m. in Resurrection Parish, celebrated by the Very Rev. Nelson Beaver. Burial will follow in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may take the form of Masses or contributions to benefit Resurrection Parish, and may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Don’s family. Encourage them with a personal note – or watch Don’s tribute video – at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
