Ernest “Ernie” Lyle Unruh, 79, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 30, 2011.Ernie was born July 18, 1932 in Alexandria to Ernest and Lila (Raap) Unruh. He graduated from Central High School and went on to St. Olaf College and University of Minnesota, graduating with a mechanical engineering degree. He worked at Toro during college and worked with Unisys for 35 years, where he served in many capacities.
He got married to Shirley Garvue on July 18, 1959 and they were able to spend a wonderful 52 years together. They spent 32 of those years in Maple Grove and then moved to Alexandria in 2000. Ernie and Shirley shared in the joy of family and friends, their gourmet group, antiquing, enjoying time together for mini-vacations and opening their home to others.
Ernie and Shirley were blessed with three children, Lisa, Stephen and Linda. As a family they enjoyed camping for many years and celebrating life together. They had 10 wonderful grandchildren, who all loved their Grandpa Ernie and will miss him deeply.
Ernie was very active in the churches he attended. He did everything from president of congregation to teaching Bible studies, evangelism and discipleship boards to babysitting and VBS to supporting missions and even going to Mexico for a missions trip. He was very active in the community as well. More recently, he was on the Unity Foundation Board, Love, Inc., Friday Prayer at Mustard Seed, Habitat for Humanity, FCCI and part of the Passion Drama, as well as praying for the community of Alexandria.
Ernie loved life, it was evident in everything he did, whether making valentine hearts in the snow for his HB, fishing with his kids and grandchildren, working hand in hand with others in the community, shoveling snow, or playing and singing with his grandchildren, but most of all he had a love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ernie always had a smile on his face and one of his favorite verses was, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Ernie is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Lisa (Quentin) Krengel, Stephen (Julie) Unruh, Linda (Tony) Okafor; 10 grandchildren, Caitlin and Joshua Krengel, Trevor and Brennan Unruh, Ada, Chinyere, Ike, Tobe, Ifeanyi and Anene Okafor; sister, Joyce (Joie) Ondracek; brother-in-law, Donald (Faye) Garvue; and nephews, Michael Ondracek, Eric and Bryce Garvue.
Funeral services were held Thursday, August 4 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Domanski officiating.
Pallbearers were Jerry Smothers, Wayne Jeunesse, Jay Kulp, Jerry Hetland, Dave Erickson, Blaine Elbert, Bob Olson and Michael Ondracek. Honorary pallbearers were Unity Foundation and Love INC. Memorials are preferred to Good Shepherd Church and Love INC.
Burial was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.
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