Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

John William Ernst, 92, of Alhambra, Ill., died on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra. He was born on March 12, 1931, in New Douglas. He was the son of Albert G. Sr. and Tillie (Boehme) Ernst. He married Juanita Clotfelter on Aug. 16, 1953, at the First Baptist Church in Litchfield. She preceded him in death on July 27, 2021.

John owned and operated the J&S Ernst Farm north of Alhambra. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Douglas. John served as a member of the church council and was very active in the church for over 50 years. John was also a member of the Madison County Farm Bureau, the Madison County Pork Producers, and county director for New Douglas Township.

John is survived by his son, Steven (Patti) Ernst of Alhambra; daughter, Brenda (Kevin) Donoho of Mahomet; seven grandchildren, Brandi (Mike) McBride, Marianne (Nick) Weiss, Katie (Matthew) Mayfield, John (Ashley) Ernst, Kathleen (Misty Long) Donoho, Dale (Heather) Donoho, and Hannah (Gabe) Stoll; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by his son, Dale Ernst; and six siblings, Lonita Braundmeier, Erma Clayton, Albert Ernst Jr., Marie Buck, Vernon Ernst, and Iona Kline.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 6, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Douglas with Rev. Ben Fiore officiating. Burial was in the New Douglas Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Douglas. Condolences may be left online at lesickofuneralhome.com. Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston was in charge of arrangements.