Dr. Phillip J. Ernst, 62, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus with Pastor Ollie Fullmer officiating. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Friday from 1:00 PM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Friday at 1:45 PM at the church.

Phil was born May 3, 1960, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Glenn and Lillian (Bender) Ernst. He graduated from Columbus High School and received his bachelor's and doctorate degrees from Creighton University. Following his graduation from Creighton Dental School he went to the School of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota and received a Master of Science in Periodontics. He started his periodontal practices in Norfolk and Columbus Nebraska where he practiced for 30 years until his retirement in 2022.

Phil was united in marriage to Sharon Slusarski on June 25, 1983, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Silver Creek, Nebraska. The couple had two children whom he loved and was immensely proud of their accomplishments. He talked often about how proud he was of both of his children. Phil cherished time with his siblings and cousins and their families. He was always ready to share a story about growing up on the farm or holidays spent with relatives. He was close to his long-time dedicated staff. There were many good times and milestones celebrated with his staff at the office. He also liked exchanging stories with his patients. Phil was a great storyteller and liked hearing stories as well. He had many friends that he liked and appreciated.

Phil enjoyed trap shooting, lake activities of swimming, jet skiing, and fishing. He loved his dogs and always appreciated the wildlife around his home. His faith was important and he enjoyed SAMMs (Saturday Morning Men's) bible study. He was kind-hearted and caring about others, and always found a way to help people. Anyone around Phil always felt his warmth, kindness, and humor. He will be remembered by many people for his stories, laughs, and smiles.

Phil is survived by:
Wife – Sharon Ernst of Columbus, NE
Son – Ryan Ernst of Omaha, NE
Daughter – Sarah Ernst of Lexington, NE
Brother – Timothy Ernst of Norfolk, NE
Sister – Mary (Tom) Stevens of Marquette, NE
Niece – Courtney (Rob) Wright of Columbus, NE
Nephew – Aaron (Sandy) Ernst of Lenexa, KS
Nephew – Trent (Heather) Stevens of Polk, NE

Phil was preceded in death by:
Parents – Glenn and Lillian Ernst
Sister-in-law – Judy Ernst

Service Folder Information
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall
not want. He makes me to lie
down in green pastures; He leads
me beside the still waters. He
restores my soul; He leads me
in the paths of righteousness for
His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil; for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff they comfort
me; You prepare a table before
me in the presence of mine enemies;
You anoint my head with oil,
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.


In Loving Memory Of

Dr. Phillip J. Ernst

Born
Tuesday, May 3, 1960
Columbus, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Columbus, Nebraska

Service
Friday, March 10, 2023 2:00 PM
Trinity Lutheran Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiant
Pastor Ollie Fullmer

Music
Ann Cattau – Accompanist & Soloist
"Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone"
"Our Father"
Congregational Hymns
"How Great Thou Art"
"Just As I Am"
CD Music – "Holy Ground"

Casket Bearers
Dana Ernst
Aaron Ernst
Trent Stevens
Rob Wright
Jim Nyffeler
Justin Coffey
Brock Bourek
Nathan Slusarski

Honorary Casket Bearers
Forrest DeHaven
George Lerner
Rich McCormick
Ken Eganhouse
Jim O'Meara
Russ Rahtz
Doug Styskal
Randy Schaefer
Wayne Zysset
Dale Kaliff

Interment
Roselawn Memorial Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska