APPLE RIVER - Joan F. Ernst, age 74, of Apple River, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 5, 2008. She was born June 24, 1933 in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of John and Frances Stangle. She graduated from Arlington High School and attended Boston University. She worked as a private secretary until her marriage to Paul A. Ernst on May 5, 1956 in Saugus, Massachusetts.
She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Apple River, St. Joseph's Altar and Rosary, Warren Women's Club, and served as church secretary for many years. She served as an Ombudsman for nursing home patients in the Diocese of Rockford. Joan enjoyed traveling, attending musical events and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are her husband, Paul; six children: Mary Ann (Vernon) Vondra of Lancaster, Wisconsin, Monica (Lawrence) Stephan of Warren, Julie (Kurt) Silvis of Midland, Michigan, John (Karen) Ernst of Warrenville, Tom (Donna) Ernst and Robert (Marsha) Ernst, both of Apple River; sixteen grandchildren, Benjamin, Justin (April) Vondra, Angela (Noah) Kirshbaum, Jake Vondra, Eric, Adam (Marcie) and Kyle Stephan, Corey and Matthew Silvis, Alisia (Rob) Amy, John Ernst Jr., Nikita and Anthony Ernst, Amanda, Daniel and Brandi Ernst; and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brothers-in-law, William O'Neill, Frank (Emma) Ernst, Roy (Jean) Ernst, her sister-in-law, Betty (Bernie) Levy and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marion O'Neill; grandson, Vernon Vondra Jr.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Maeline Ernst, Berneice and Louis Schramm; and sisters-in-law, Joan Ernst and Marguerite Ernst.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Apple River with the Reverend Everett Hiller officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren with the Rosary recited at 4 p.m. A memorial in her name has been established for St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the Warren Music Boosters. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.
She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Apple River, St. Joseph's Altar and Rosary, Warren Women's Club, and served as church secretary for many years. She served as an Ombudsman for nursing home patients in the Diocese of Rockford. Joan enjoyed traveling, attending musical events and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are her husband, Paul; six children: Mary Ann (Vernon) Vondra of Lancaster, Wisconsin, Monica (Lawrence) Stephan of Warren, Julie (Kurt) Silvis of Midland, Michigan, John (Karen) Ernst of Warrenville, Tom (Donna) Ernst and Robert (Marsha) Ernst, both of Apple River; sixteen grandchildren, Benjamin, Justin (April) Vondra, Angela (Noah) Kirshbaum, Jake Vondra, Eric, Adam (Marcie) and Kyle Stephan, Corey and Matthew Silvis, Alisia (Rob) Amy, John Ernst Jr., Nikita and Anthony Ernst, Amanda, Daniel and Brandi Ernst; and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brothers-in-law, William O'Neill, Frank (Emma) Ernst, Roy (Jean) Ernst, her sister-in-law, Betty (Bernie) Levy and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marion O'Neill; grandson, Vernon Vondra Jr.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Maeline Ernst, Berneice and Louis Schramm; and sisters-in-law, Joan Ernst and Marguerite Ernst.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Apple River with the Reverend Everett Hiller officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren with the Rosary recited at 4 p.m. A memorial in her name has been established for St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the Warren Music Boosters. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.