Len Ernhart

Len Ernhart a member of the Fort Davis community for over thrity years entered into eternal life on Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Len was 77.

Len Ernhart was born on February 24, 1941 in Winsted, Minnesota to Frank and Dorothy and was raised on a farm in Silver Lake. He attended Silver Lake High School and was a straight A student. At 17 years old he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was a proud Vietnam veteran who, as a member of the 1876 Com Squad did a tour of duty on Tan Son Nhut Airbase near Siagon during the Tet Offensive.

Praying of the Most Holy Rosary was held on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, March 5, 2018 with Father Beto Lopez. The United States Air Force Military Graveside Service was held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Fort Davis, Texas.

Those who served as Honorary Pall bears were: Ruben Moreno, Larry Hartnett, Shane Trussell, Bill Davis, Tim Sybrant, and Juan Dominguez

Len had many experiences after his military retirement including; logging in the woods of Minnesota, working for Harvard Radio Astronomy Station, and owning businesses in Ft. Davis, Texas. He enjoyed working as an extra in the movie "There Will Be Blood" and worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 10 years before retiring for good. He was a life-long devout Catholic and remained active in his church as a member of the choir and the Knights of Columbus.

Len was a devoted husband of 54 years, a beloved father, a wonderful grandfather, and a caring friend. He was a very humble, compassionate and generous man always ready to help, even a stranger, however he could. He was willing to assist those who had less than he did even if it put him in a pinch. Len often traveled with short notice to help his children and extended loved ones when needed.

His compassion extended towards animals as well. While working at the veterinarian's office he often fostered animals and even adopted a few. He allowed his children to have many pets while they were growing up and he provided shelter when they would bring an injured wild animal home.

Len loved to dance the waltz and the Polka with his wife Angela and would catch the attention of spectators as he spun her around on the dance floor. He would sing out loud and proud to his favorite country music and even enjoyed beer and conversation with Charlie Daniels at Suttler's club in town. He never missed the opportunity to pick out and mail just the right birthday or special occasion card and follow it up with a phone call. He had a love of nature and enjoyed puttering around his property. Len had a smile that could light up a room and a sense of humor that could tickle anyone's funny bone.

Those preceding Len in death are: his parents Frank and Dorothy Ernhart; his grandparents; one brother Ron Ernhart; and one grandson Lenden Ernhart.

Left to honor and cherish the wonderful memory of Len are: his wife of 54 years Angela (Capri) Ernhart of Fort Davis; his daughter Laura Cheri and husband Kevin of Harrison, Arkansas; son's Kevin Ernhart and wife Pagie of Miles, Texas, Rodney Ernhart and wife Caity of Bigfork, Montana; sisters Patti Lee and husband Jim Lee of Custer, South Dakota, Jean Mathweg and husband John of Bemidji, Minnesota; brother Ken Ernhart and wife Ann of Cabot, Arkansas; and one sister in law Marlys Ernhart of Park Rapids, Minnesota. Len is servived by his eight wonderful grandchildren: Nicole Williams and her husband John, Elizabeth Reinberg, Cameron Cheri, Breanna Cheri, Brian Ernhart, Sabrina Cheri, Tinley Ernhart, and Rory Ernhart. As well as many nieces and nephews.

The family has asked that any monetary donations be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 : www.michaeljfox.org

His unconditional love, support, and encouragement touched countless lives and formed unbreakable bonds. Len will always be remembered as a remarkable, one of a kind, loving man and will be greatly missed and forever remembered in all our hearts and minds… especially when he sang "Mountain Dew". Although we feel sorrow about his illness and passing, we are assured and comforted knowing he rests peacefully with the glory of the Lord.

Visitation

Public Visitation

St. Joseph Catholic Church
800 North State Street
Fort Davis, TX  79734
Sunday, March 4, 2018
7:00 PM - 9 :00 PM

St. Joseph Catholic Church
800 North State Street
Fort Davis, TX  79734
Monday, March 5, 2018
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Service

Praying of the Holy Rosary

St. Joseph's Catholic Church
800 North State Street
Fort Davis, TX  79734
Sunday, March 4, 2018
7:00 PM

Mass of Christian Burial

St. Joseph Catholic Church
800 North State Street
Fort Davis, TX  79734
Monday, March 5, 2018
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Hillcrest Cemetery
East Cemetery Road
Fort Davis, TX  79734