Joseph J. Ernst, Jr. 81, of Marseilles, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Monday, October 4 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 2pm, prior to services, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
Joe was born October 14, 1939, in Ottawa to Joseph J. and Mollie (Jarmosck) Ernst, Sr. Joe was a proud member of the United States Navy, serving from 1956-1960. He married Patricia Gage in 1961, and together they had two children, Joe and Amy. He then married Carla Olsen, and together they had their daughter, Sara. Joe was the owner and operator of Joe Ernst Auto Salvage on Marquette Street in Ottawa for over 30 years. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, and spending time with his grandchildren. Joe was also known for being the singer and bass player in several country and rock bands, including Rock’n Rebels and the Tumbleweeds, for over 40 years.
He is survived by his three children, Joseph (Katherine) Ernst of Oglesby, Amy (Ron Couch) Frankovich of Marseilles, and Sara (Steven) Ernst-Cutcher of Evert MI; eight grandchildren, Amanda, Rachel, and Kaitlin Ernst, Michael, Mitchell, and Jacob Frankovich, Marcus, and Holly Cutcher; and his brother, Ernest “Ernie” (late Marie) Ernst.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his four sisters, Rosemary Carlson, Alice Nicholson, Margie Gray, and Irene Slovinski.
He was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.
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