Alice Irene Ernst
Of Fairfield, Iowa

Alice Irene Ernst was born on September 24, 1915 in Port Byron, Illinois to Arthur and Elfrieda (nee Anderson) Johnson. She passed away peacefully on December 31, 2006 in Fairfield, Iowa.

Alice is remembered for her life of service to her family and her community. She was known for her twinkling blue eyes, a smile that could melt your heart and her love for chocolate and black coffee. Alice also loved music and used her talent as an organist and choir member in the various church communities where she belonged in East Moline, Bellwood, West Chicago and Arlington Heights, Illinois. Alice valued education. With a degree in English from Augustana College and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Illinois, she taught grammer and high school students English, drama and piano for nine years before moving to Chicago where she met her husband, Eddie. Alice continued to use her skills as a teacher with her children and as a volunteer reader for children at the library after her own children were grown. Alice loved to travel with her girlfriends during the single years, with her mom and then with her family.

She is survived by her children, Kenneth Ernst of Surprise, Ariz., Robert (Karen) Ernst of Arlington Heights, Judith Ernst of Indianapolis, Ind., and Steven (Julie) Ernst of Fairfield, Iowa, her grandchildren, Erik, Peter, Jason, Sarah, Gretchen, Michelle and Alicia Ernst and Allison Hendricks, her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Friday, January 5, 2007 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Rd., where she will lie in state from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Interment Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Music Program or to Cherish Our Children International-Children First Organization in Kenya, Africa, P.O. Box 540007, Houston, TX 77254, www.cherishourchildren.org  or to a charity of the donor’s choice.