John Ernst Jr.

John M. Ernst Jr. went to his eternal home on Wednesday December 19, 2018.  How many people can say they had celebrated 98 Christmases, seen the election of 16 presidents over 25 elections, and buried 9 brothers and sisters?  He was a great man with a huge heart who will be missed by his 5 children: Terri Bentley & her husband Tom, Paul Burnham and his wife Melody, Roy Burnham and his wife Jan, Gary Ernst, and Alan Ernst.  His spirit will be carried on by them and his 10 surviving grandchildren and many great grandchildren.  His wife Laura Deane and special friend Gladys Ruestman preceded him in death as well as his son Gale and granddaughter Marci.  He had a gentle strength and touched so many lives.  He worked hard all of his life doing many jobs.  He was retired from General Motors, worked on farms, and loved to tinker.  He made unique handmade hangers for his family and friends.  He kept very busy the first 90 years of his life.  He was never old but rather young at heart.  Everyone always thought he was much younger than his age.  He also loved spending time with his family and watching the Detroit Tigers, the Lions, and MSU Spartans.  Nothing beat playing a good game of euchre.

John was a man of strong faith and was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church, St. Johns, MI where his services will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 10:00 A.M., with Rev. George W. Brinley officiating.  Burial will take place at South Bingham Township Cemetery  St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 21, 2018 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church or to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.