Obituary of Gordon Wayne Ernst

Gordon Wayne Ernst, 76, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on August 31, 2022, in Colorado Springs. Gordon was born on September 20, 1945, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Eugene and Mary Ernst. He grew up on the family farm in Roscoe, South Dakota, and graduated from Roscoe High School in 1963. He served in the United States Army from 1965-1967 as a nuclear weapons specialist, earning the rank of E-5. Prior to separating from the service, he married the great love of his life, Wanda Rose Weaver, on July 17, 1966. Gordon's professional career centered in the financial industry at various banks in the Midwest, culminating in twenty-two years of community-building work as the president of the Aberdeen Federal Credit Union in Aberdeen, South Dakota. After retiring in 1999, he and Wanda moved to Colorado to be closer to their daughters. Although technically retired, his �make hay while the sun shines' work ethic kept him outside in his impressive shop from sunup to sundown. He could be found working on a project or else on a John Deere of some variety taking care of his immaculate property and enjoying the view of the Rocky Mountains. Gordon was a proud veteran, a patriotic and well-read citizen, and a principled and faithful family man. His strong hands and big heart built homes, farm equipment, and an esteemed network of those who admired his consistent character, his knack of showing up when you need him, and natural yet humble leadership. Gordon is survived by his wife, Wanda; his three daughters, Catherine (Jamie) Dove, Karen Ernst, and Rebecca (Brock) Lange; and four grandchildren, Hannah and Jake Dove, Eliza Arguello, and Beau Lange. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Contributions be sent in honor of Gordon to the Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity (https://pikespeakhabitat.org/donation) or the Holy Cross Lutheran Church food pantry (https://holycrosscs.org). Condolences may be sent to 5465 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918. May we all strive to emulate this brilliant man who was a smitten husband, extraordinary dad, fun grandpa, dependable brother, favorite uncle, and loyal friend to so many. The world is a little hollow today, but a better place because of the inspirational, irreplaceable, and incredible Gordon W. Ernst. Funeral Service, 1:30PM, Wednesday, September 7, 2022, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4125 Constitution Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909. Graveside Service, 3:00PM, Wednesday, September 7, 2022, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925. Events Funeral Service Wednesday, September 7, 2022 1:30PM Holy Cross Lutheran Church 4125 Constitution Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-328-1793 Graveside Wednesday, September 7, 2022 3:00PM Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925 Phone: 202-632-8035