Ernest Howard Enderson

Ernest Howard Enderson, age 94, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, IA. Ernest was born January 14, 1931, in a farmhouse in Winnebago County. He was the third child born to Oscar and Jennie (Krull) Enderson. He graduated from Buffalo Center High School in May 1948. His father died the fall of 1948 leaving his mother to raise their six children.

Ernest was drafted into the Army in 1952 and spent two years in Korea. His job was to keep the large machines used for building roads in good working condition. He was proud to serve in the military and enjoyed the overseas experience. He met and married Romelle Dillavou in 1960. Together, they raised five children on a farm near Manly. In Ernie’s farming years, he milked cows, raised pigs and row cropped corn and beans. In 1986, Ernie and Romelle moved to Northwood, and he became a small business owner. Ernie operated a consignment store and enjoyed meeting and visiting with the customers. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes and he enjoyed making trips with friends and family to Lake of the Woods, Clear Lake or wherever the fish were biting!

Ernie will be deeply missed by his wife of 64 years, Romelle; children, Connie (Jim) Hamilton, Tim (Jerri) Enderson, Patti (Jim) Beatty and Bill Enderson; 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rosella Ullestad, and Ida Rhine.

He is preceded in death by his: parents; son, Gary; brothers, Elvin and Wayne; sister, Harriet Thompson, and nephew John Kingstrom, and a niece Donna Roisen.

Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to charities in Ernest’s name. Ernie’s family would like to express our thanks to MercyOne Hospice for their kindness, support and guidance during this time.

In essence, Ernie was a good man.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, Iowa. The visitation will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, IA. Burial will be at the Manly Cemetery following the service.

Hoff Celebrations – Sites Memorial Chapel of Northwood is assisting the family with arrangements.