Elaine M. Ernst

Elaine Marie (Springer) Ernst, age 96, of Martin Suites in Cedar Falls, passed away September 11,2024. She was born May 3, 1928, in Lawler, IA to William and Inez (Barnes) Springer. She was a proud 1946 graduate of Assumption Catholic High School in Cresco, IA. She later went on to marry Donald Ernst on May 1, 1948, in Cresco, IA. He passed away in May of 2013. They had seven beautiful children, Alan, Mike, Tom, Dale, Cathy, Debbie and Mary. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; three brothers, LaDon, Dewain and William Springer; and one son-in-law Thomas Sharp. 

While busy at home with her children, Elaine still found time to work for Dr Donald Bickley for 40 years as a receptionist. In her spare time, Elaine was a member of Make-A-Wish for 30 years and had the opportunity to be part of granting her last wish in 2023. She was also a member of Highland Association for 30 years, and a member of the V.F.W. In 2023 Elaine received the State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for outstanding volunteer service for giving her time volunteering for 25 years of service. 

Elaine was a longtime member of St. John’s Catholic Church and a member of the Rosary society until they closed. She then became a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Cedar Falls. When she moved to Fairbank, she became a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church till her passing. 

Elaine is survived by 4 sons, Alan (Brenda) Ernst of Waterloo, Mike (Angie) Ernst of Waterloo, Tom (Susan Wirtjes) Ernst of Waterloo, and Dale (Dan Dana) Ernst of Cresco; three daughters, Cathy Ernst Benz of Evansdale, Debbie Ernst of Waterloo, and Mary Sharp of Fairbank; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild; one brother Kevin Springer of La Selva, CA, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Western Home Communities, Martin Suites, Winding Creek in Jesup, and Cedar Valley Hospice for their excellent compassion they provided to Elaine and her family during this difficult time. 

Services for Elaine will be held Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 10:30am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank, IA. Visitation will be September 18, 2024, from 4:00-7:00pm at Parrott and Wood Chapel of Memories, 965 Home Plaza in Waterloo, IA and an hour before the service on September 19, 2024, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Cedar Valley Hospice in memory of Elaine.