Ernestine M. Gerner, age 94, died Tuesday evening, June 14, 2005 at the Marengo Memorial Hospital, following an extended illness. Funeral Services: 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 17, 2005 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marengo with Pastor Douglas Morton officiating. Burial will be in the Marengo Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 P.M. Thursday, June 16, 2005 at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. A memorial fund has been established.

She is survived by a granddaughter, Colleen Conrad and husband Mike of Marengo; a son-in-law, Darwin Huedepohl of Victor; and two sisters-in-law, Irene Jacobi of South Amana and Esther Meeks of Cedar Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harry on February 19, 1971, a daughter, Phyllis Huedepohl on July 2, 1999, and two sisters, Lina Semer and Sue Miller.

Ernestine Marie Wittig was born January 10, 1911 in South Amana, the daughter of Alvin and Wilhelmina Baust Wittig. Wilhelmina died from childbirth complications, and consequently Ernestine and her sisters were raised by their father and step-mother Kathryn Spect Wittig. Ernestine received her education in the Amana and Iowa County schools. She married Harry Elmer Gerner on January 25, 1932 at the Lutheran Parsonage in Marengo. The couple farmed for many years in Iowa County. She was a homemaker and also worked at the Ox Yoke and Ronneburg restaurants until her husband died in 1971. Ernestine then spent her time managing the family farm. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo. Since 1999, Ernestine has made her home at the Marengo Memorial Hospital due to failing health.