Wilbert Nicholas Ernst

Wilbert Nicholas Ernst, "Ernie", died late Monday morning, October 1, 2012 at Sierra Blanca Nursing Center in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 82 years old. Wilbert was born on May 1, 1930 in Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois to the late Oscar C. and Anna H. (Winkler) Ernst. As a young man, Wilbert served in the United States Marine Corps and reserves from 1951 to 1959. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, Wilbert began a 30-year career with Aloha Airlines and worked as an airplane mechanic. He was an expert in his chosen career and was very dependable with anything that was asked of him. Many relied on his precision and his mechanical skills. On July 29, 1977 Wilbert married Christina Michiko Tamayoshi in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii. They celebrated 28 years together, as husband and wife, before her death on November 11, 2005. In 1990, following his retirement, Wilbert and Christina moved to Show Low, Arizona where they enjoyed the sense of community they felt while living there. Wilbert lived his life in the service of others. He thoroughly enjoyed helping his neighbors in any way that he could. They truly will miss his acts of kindness. Wilbert loved a good card game. Since moving to Show Low 22 years ago, Wilbert bought 13 brand new cars from Hatch Motors. Hatch Motors certainly will miss him; almost as much as his family and friends will. Wilbert is survived by his 3 children: Sandra (Ed) Sulliban, John (Jenny) Ernst, Michael Ernst all of Hawaii; 3 step-children: Carol (Roger) Gutterson, Grace (Earl) Kaneshiro, Dean (Vivian) Tamayoshi; 1 brother, Russell Ernst of Bullhead City, Arizona; 1 sister, Dolores; 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Along with his parents and wife, Wilbert was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Ernst in 2001. Private family services are planned at this time. Wilbert's family would like to publicly acknowledge Hospice Compassus for the special and tender care they gave him during these past several weeks. They truly are "angels" and are appreciated so very much.