Ernst Oder

Oder, Ernst F. "Ernie" Called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 12, 2013. Age 82. Survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley (nee Charles); his four children, Jane (Alan) Costello of Joliet, IL, Emilie (James) McCallister of Frankfort, IL, E. Stephen (Cindy) Oder of Rincon, GA, and Alan Oder of Joliet, IL; four grandchildren, Robert and Michael Oder, Brian and Danielle Water of GA; two great-grandchildren, Emryk and Clementine Waters; and a sister, Marlene Oder of Shorewood, IL. Preceded in death by his parents, Ernst F. Oder Sr. and Berta A. (nee Schwartz) Oder and his brother, Kurt F. Oder. Ernie was born in Joliet June 5, 1931 and a lifetime resident. He graduated from Joliet Township Central High School where he was a member of the acapella choir. He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War (1950-1954) aboard the USS Bremerton and USS Telfair. He married the love of his life, Shirley on August 30, 1958 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Joliet. Ernie worked for 36 years for IL/Ameritech and was a member of the IBEW Local 136. Ernie and Shirley were active members of Messiah Lutheran Church in Joliet. He loved attending his Navy reunions and was a member of the VFW Cantigny Post 365, the American Legion Post 1080, and the Telephone Pioneers. Ernie was a loving husband, father, son and brothers who loved his God and his country. He loved spending time with his family and friends and watching Cubs games. He was known for his humor and generosity and will be greatly missed. Lying in state at Messiah Lutheran Church, 19901 S. Houbolt Road, on Monday, June 17, 2013 from 11:30AM until time of services at 12:00-Noon. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation Sunday from 2:00-6:00PM.