Claude M. Ernst
Born: September 8th, 1918
Died: January 14th, 2011
Obituary
Claude M. Ernst, 92, of West Burlington, died at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2011, at the Great River Klein Center. Born September 8, 1918, he was the son of Adam Karl and Irma Kiser Ernst. He married Viola I. "Vi" Spencer on October 20, 1940, at Grace United Methodist Church in Burlington. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving for 4 years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder. Claude was a Certified Public Accountant for 40 years, retiring in 1981. He was a lifetime member of the Burlington Noon Lions Club, and earned the club's Melvin Jones Award and the Warren Coleman Honorary Award. He was a lifetime member of the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce. Claude was known for his broad-brimmed hat and beard, and his Spanish greetings. He is survived by his wife, Vi Ernst of Burlington; his daughter, Colleen Ernst and son-in-law, Bill Radl of Iowa City; two grandchildren, Max Ernst Radl and Sophie Ernst Radl of Iowa City; one brother, James Ernst of Springfield, Illinois; and one sister, Jennie Rose Bean of New York. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Philip B. Ernst. The funeral services for Mr. Ernst will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 18th, at First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Randall Gearhart will officiate. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites. Interment will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services. Memorials have been established for the Great River Hospice House and the First Presbyterian Church Scholarship Fund.