Michael Ernst, 62, of Platte Center, Nebraska, died Sunday, September 15, 2013, at his home northeast of Platte Center.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 19 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus with Pastor Wayne Nestor officiating. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Thursday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the following – Trinity Lutheran Church, Platte Center Volunteer Fire Department, American Heart Association, or the donor's choice.

Mike was born November 13, 1950, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Lloyd and Norma (Tredway) Ernst. He attended Highland Park, West Park, and District #72 Grade Schools, and graduated from Columbus High School. Mike loved playing baseball and played on the Junior Legion Baseball team that went to State in 1969. Mike served in the Army Reserve from 1970 – 1977. On September 5, 1970, Mike was united in marriage to Marla Mark at Trinity Lutheran Church. Mike drove semi for Central Valley Ag. He enjoyed going on cattle drives, riding horses, fishing trips, and going 4-wheeling. Mike was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1970 and was a sound technician at the church. He was a member of the Platte Center Fire Board and the Eagles.

Mike is survived by:
Wife – Marla Ernst of Platte Center, NE
Daughter – Kelly (Jeff) Micek of Lincoln, NE
Daughter – Kris (Justin) Frederick of Chambers, NE
Son – Jeremy Ernst of Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren – Peyton & Alexis Micek and Ellie & Olivia Frederick
Brother – Larry Ernst of Columbus, NE
Brother – Scott (Renee) Ernst of Columbus, NE
Sister – Pam (Dennis) Micek of Columbus, NE
Sister – Jackie (Gus) Schrad of Columbus, NE
Brother-in-law – Dana (Renate) Mark of Fremont, NE
Brother-in-law – Tim (Jane) Mark of Florissant, MO
Aunt – Betty Grant of Columbus, NE
Aunt – June Reed of Green Bay, WI

Mike was preceded in death by:
Parents – Lloyd and Norma Ernst
Father & Mother-in-law – Jerome and Margaret Mark

Service Folder Information
God hath not promised
Skies always blue.
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through:
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

But God hath promised
Strength for the day;
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way;
Grace for the trials,
Help from above;
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love…



In Memory Of

Michael Ernst

Born
Monday, November 13, 1950
Columbus, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Platte Center, Nebraska

Service
Thursday, September 19, 2013 10:30 AM
Trinity Lutheran Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiating
Pastor Wayne Nestor

Music
Ann Cattau – Organist & Soloist
"Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone"
"On Eagle's Wings"
"Our Father"
Congregational Hymn
"How Great Thou Art"

Casket Bearers
Brad Minchow
Barry Wilke
Jim Christensen
Tom Lutjens
Lee Hassebrook
Daryl Sander

Interment
Roselawn Memorial Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska