Ernest Bigler

Ernest Bigler, age 75, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 3, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Locust, IA, with Rev. Nancy Solomonson presiding. Burial will be in the Locust Cemetery, Locust, IA. Friends may call from 4:00-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah, IA, and after 10:00 a.m., at the church on Thursday morning. Memorial contributions may be given in memory of Ernest to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust, IA. Ernest Harvey Bigler, was born on February 14, 1936, the son of Harvey Bigler and Violet (Ellingson) Bigler Tieskotter in Decorah, IA. Ernest was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Locust on May 10, 1936, with Albert Ellingson and Mr. and Mrs. Lester Bigler serving as sponsors. Thirteen years later, on Nov. 20, 1949, Ernest affirmed his faith along with his classmates in the confirmation service at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Locust. Ernest graduated from Decorah High School and attended Luther College for two years. He served in the US Army for three years in Germany. Ernest attended mechanic school in Waterloo and worked at the Ford garage in Cresco and then for over twenty years at Camcar in Decorah. Ernest retired to farm with his brother Harry. All through his life and retirement, he enjoyed traveling the world and photography. Ernest is survived by his brother: Harry Bigler, Decorah, IA. Five sisters: Beverly Orton, Waterloo, IA; Sharon Holtan, Stillwater, MN: Dianne (Bob) Peterson, Cedar Falls, IA; Sandi (Mike) Schultz, Delta Junction, AK; and Linda (Steve) Janechek, Decorah, IA. Nieces and nephews: Mike Orton, Reba Orton, Missy Pikley, Tim (Sarah) Holton, Liz (Joe) Connor, Mike (Linda) Rider, John (Amelia) Rider, Jenny (John) Nehs, Diane (Ron) Bremner, David (Renee) Rider, Shannon (Jerome) Hilscher, Nathan (Jennifer) Rider, Andrew (Jessica) Schultz, and Ben Schultz, along with several great nieces and nephews. Ernest was preceded in death by his father: Harvey Bigler and his mother: Violet Bigler Tieskotter.