Submited by: Dan Rich

Francis J. Ernst

April 1, 1916 - Sept. 17, 2002

South Bend Tribune 9/19/2002

Francis J. Ernst, 86, of Peashway, South Bend, Ind., passed away at 9:23 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Francis was born April 1, 1916, in Elkhart, Ind., to Harvey C. and Verna (Hoetger) Ernst. Francis was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Catherine J. Schlosser; and by a brother, John Ernst. He received his bachelor and master's degrees from the University of Notre Dame. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army. He was a teacher and counselor of several high schools for the South Bend School Corporation during his working years.

Francis was a member of the NEA Retired Teachers of St. Joseph County and Elks Lodge #235 of South Bend, was a volunteer for the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, a lay minister of the Sacred Heart Parish, a tour guide at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and was a member of the Michiana Male Chorus.

On Aug. 17, 1946, in Elkhart, he married Loretta Marie Seeberger, who survives of South Bend. He is also survived by three sisters, Rose Mary Karasch, Anna Ernst and Margaret Hruby, all of Elkhart; a brother, James C. and Jean Ernst of Austin, Texas; and by several nieces and nephews.

Friends are calling from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, in the McGann Funeral Home, University Area Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Road, South Bend. A Rosary will be held at 5 p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Notre Dame, Ind. Rev. John P. Riley, CSC, will be officiating. Burial will be at St. Vincent Catholic Cemetery, Elkhart. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of donor's choice.