CAMPBELL HILL – Ernest Ehlers, Jr., 87, of Campbell Hill, IL, passed away, Monday, March 8, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Ernie was born March 5, 1934 in Campbell Hill, IL, to Ernest and Clara Hornbostel Ehlers.   He married Katherine Griffiths on April 22, 1961.  Ernie was a retired UMWA worker, a member St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Campbell Hill, and UMW of A Local #1392.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Katherine Ehlers of Campbell Hill, children; Deb (Bob) Middendorf, Campbell Hill, Brian (Kristi) Ehlers of Ava, Dennis Ehlers of Willisville, Russell (Vivian Nelson) Ehlers of Ava, Tracy (Bill) Reed of Willisville, Jack (Chris) Ehlers of Elkville, Marvin (Stacy Powles) Ehlers of Murphysboro, and Krista (Ken) McHughes of Marissa, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, brothers; Roy (Pat) Ehlers of Campbell Hill, Ray (Alice) Ehlers of Carbondale, Melvin (Marty) Ehlers of Campbell Hill, sister, Pauline Welty of Sparta, and his Precious Little Dog, Lucy.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Tina Rae Ehlers, one brother, Wilbert (Grace) Ehlers, one sister, Helen (Ed) Wilson, brother-in-law, Dale Welty, one infant brother, Leroy Ehlers.

Private graveside services will be held Friday, March 12, 2021 at St. Luke's Lutheran Cemetery, Campbell Hill, IL, with Minister Deb Rathert officiating.  Burial to follow.   Memorials may be given to St. Luke's Lutheran Church and can be mailed to Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.  To sign the guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net .  Due to executive order, face masks must be worn, and social guidelines must be followed.