Ronald Ernst , 75, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away Monday, November 11, 2019 at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's in Sioux City, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2019 at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. James Church in Le Mars. Father Bruce Lawler will celebrate Mass with Deacon Dan Goebel assisting. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Thursday at the church. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

Ronald S. Ernst was born April 24, 1944 on a farm near Le Mars, Iowa, the son of Frank and Bernetta (Wanderscheid) Ernst. He attended school in Union Township, rural Plymouth County, Iowa, and graduated from Union Consolidated High School in 1963. Following high school, he helped his father on the farm as well as area farmers. In 1966, Ron went to work for Wells Dairy in Le Mars.

He was united in marriage to Jan Bunkers on April 1, 1967 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Remsen. The couple made their home in Le Mars. Ron continued to work for Wells Dairy until retiring after 40 years of service in 2006.

Ron was a member of All Saints Catholic Parish in Le Mars. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and taking his mother to bingo every Tuesday night at the Eagle's Club in Le Mars. He enjoyed being outside, whether it was tending to his lawn or camping with his family.

Survivors include his wife of over 52 years, Jan of Le Mars; a daughter: Kathy (Brad) Kjose of Alcester, SD; a son: Mike (Tracie) Ernst of Le Mars, IA; 3 grandchildren: Jarod Ernst, Alyssa Borchers, and Cole Ernst; a great grandson: Carsen Ernst; his mother: Bernetta Ernst of Le Mars; 2 brothers: Bob (Lois) Ernst and Dennis (Joan) Ernst, all of Le Mars; 2 sisters in law: Mary Ann (Gerald) Goebel of Granville, IA and Marcy Bunkers of Sioux City, IA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Ernst; his father and mother in law: Roman and Madeleine Bunkers; his brother in law: Bob Bunkers; and a sister in law: Sandy Ernst.