Ernst “Ernie” H. Bartels, 76, of Springfield, died at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Cedarhurst Senior Living. He was born January 25, 1948 in Murphysboro, IL, the son of Arnold and Irene (Bruns) Bartels. He married Nyla Hardwick on January 10, 1987.
He is survived by his wife, Nyla; two stepdaughters, Christa (Rob) Ledin of Mahomet, IL and Ginny Petrowski, of Chester; two stepsons, Craig Hardwick of Springfield and Chad (Jessica) Hardwick of Bishop, CA; five grandsons,; three granddaughters; and cousin, Sharron Thurkill, of Flower Mound, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ernst was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Ernst graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in accounting in 1971. He retired from the State of Illinois Department of Insurance in 2007. Previously, he worked for AFLAC and the automobile industry, including General Manager of various dealerships. Ernst served as Mayor of Rochester from 1976-1984.
Memorial Gathering: 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Memorial Service: 11:00 am, Friday, July 12, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Reverend Paul Hemenway officiating.
Graveside Service: 11:00 am, Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Evergreen Cemetery in Chester, IL with Reverend Timothy Simms officiating and where military honors will be conducted.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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