Dr. Ernest W. "Ernie" Sigler

Dr. Ernest W. Sigler "Ernie"

Dr. Ernest W. Sigler "Ernie" passed from this life on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the age of 79 years.

He was born in Dallas, TX, to Ernest W. and Juanita Sigler. He was a man of great integrity and humbleness with compassion for others and had a wonderful sense of humor which will be greatly missed. He graduated from Adamson High School, Dallas, TX, in 1964. He accepted a football scholarship that year to the University of Nebraska and persevered until he was named starting QB in 1968. He won both the Guy Chamberlin and Tom Novak Awards his senior year. He was a Graduate Assistant for the football team from 1969 - 1970. He served in the National Guard and was named Soldier of the Year. He graduated from the UNMC College of Dentistry in 1975. Planning to serve only two years in the military he went on to serve thirty years reaching the rank of Colonel. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2005. He was asked to teach at his alma mater that same year. He planned to teach only five years and continued to teach for seventeen years. He received numerous honors both while serving in the military and while teaching at the college of dentistry. He was selected as teacher of the year for 17 years and impacted many lives for the future. His most cherished accomplishment each year was being selected to "hood" the graduating students.

He was the guest speaker at a church banquet in 1972 and a chance meeting with Nancy Kolb led to their marriage in 1975, and 50 wonderful years together. They were blessed with 2 sons. His family was his greatest joy and in his final days were his greatest comfort.

He is survived by his wife and sons, Scott and grandchildren, Amaris and Zachary of Olathe, Kan., and Jason (Stephanie) and grandchildren, Hannah and JP of Atlanta Ga. He is also survived by his brothers, Tom (Judy) of Detroit, TX, and Ron (Sherry) of Corvallis, Oregon; nieces, nephews and cousins.

His sons and brothers made numerous flights and trips to help care for him in his final months. Their devotion and love will never be forgotten. He received extraordinary medical care during his initial diagnosis of melanoma in 2016 which enabled him to enjoy nine years cancer free. We wish to thank the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center, CCA, Visiting Angels and HoriSun Hospice for their care when Melanoma returned this past May.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 23rd from 3 to 5 pm, at Roper and Sons, South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr., Lincoln, NE 68516. His Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 24th at 1:30 pm, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 84th and Pioneers Lincoln, NE 68520. Interment of ashes will be at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., on Tuesday, November 25th at 1:30 pm.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to University of Nebraska Foundation, College of Dentistry – Veteran's Clinic. Online donations to https://nufoundation.org/fund/01165660 or by mailing a check to University of Nebraska Foundation, 1010 Lincoln Mall Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508, or to Teammates, Lincoln Chapter.

Condolences are available online at roperandsons.com.