Kathleen K. Ernst, 80, of Columbus, Nebraska, passed away on December 22, 2021, at the Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home in Newman Grove, Nebraska, after a long battle with dementia.

The funeral will be held on Monday, December 27, at 10:30 AM, at Gass Haney Funeral Home with Rev. Patrick Sparling officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, from 9:30 AM until service time, also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery. Memorial may be directed to the Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Kathleen Kay Ernst was born December 23, 1940, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Hector and Ruby (Bell) Ernst. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She attended District 5 Elementary School and graduated from Kramer High School in 1958. Kathleen attended the Lincoln School of Commerce for one year. During high school, she worked as a waitress. Kathleen worked at the Platte County Courthouse, Columbus Public Library, and Nebraska Public Power District for several years. But for the majority of her working years she was a beloved waitress at Sapp Brothers Coffee Pot Café until 2002. On June 21, 1997, Kathleen was united in marriage to Edward Harms at Immanuel Lutheran Church and the couple made their home southwest of Columbus. Kathleen was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Kathleen is survived by:
Husband – Edward Harms of Columbus, NE
Sister – Darlene (Norman) Sauerwein of Reddick, IL

Kathleen was preceded in death by:
Parents – Hector and Ruby Ernst
Infant Brother