Obituary of Richard "Dick" Ernster

Dick was born in Clinton, Iowa on January 9, 1933 to Clarence (C.J.) and Rose (Booth) Ernster.He graduated from Clinton High School in 1951 and entered the Air Force in 1952.He married Patricia Britt of Welton, Iowa, September 1954. They lived in El Paso, Texas until Dick's discharge in 1956- that year they established their residence in Colorado Springs. After many years of working for engineering companies involved with projects from the Air Force Academy, two large waste water treatment plants in Colorado and Utah, Dick then joined a local firm involved with subdivision, utility, and storm drainage design.In 1970, he joined the Colorado Springs Public Works Engineering Department as a civil engineer. He retired from the public work department as the assistant street superintendent in 1991.Dick loved his family and friends- he was especially proud of the accomplishments of his wife and of his children.He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and silversmithing. Dick was active on many committees at Corpus Christi Catholic Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister. He served on the boards of the Association for Retarded Citizens, Cheyenne Village, Martin Luther Homes and was a active member of the Faith & Light Community.He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Patricia Ernster; their three children, Kathy (Mark) O'Donnell of Monument Colorado, Daniel Ernster, and Michael Ernster of Colorado Springs; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Derek) Bantam, Mark (Ashley) O'Donnell, Jr., and Sean O'Donnell; two great-grandsons, Kevin and Tyler; and one great-granddaughter, Sloane.Dick is preceded in death by his brother, Bob Ernster.Rosary will be recited, 10:00AM, Tuesday, March 8, 2016 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Reception immediately following in the Parish Hall.Graveside Service, 2:30PM, Tuesday, March 8, 2016, Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 South Hancock Avenue, Colorado Springs.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Tuesday, March 8, 2016 2:30PM Evergreen Cemetery 1005 Hancock Expressway Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: 719-578-6646 Service Tuesday, March 8, 2016 10:00AM Corpus Christi Catholic Church 2318 N. Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs,, CO 80907 Phone: 719-633-1457 Service Tuesday, March 8, 2016 11:00AM Corpus Christi Catholic Church 2318 N. Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs,, CO 80907 Phone: 719-633-1457