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Ernest Dobesh Obituary

Former area resident, 86

GRAND ISLAND - Ernest Leonard "Ernie" Dobesh, 86, of Grand Island died Monday, April 21, 2008, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island.

Services will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church in Grand Island with the Rev. Daniel Bremer officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island with family present after 6 p.m.

He was born July 31, 1921, at Spring Ranch in Clay County to John and Mary (Barta) Dobesh.

On Sept. 15, 1946, he married Wilma Bangert southwest of Lawrence.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years; sons and daughters-in-law, Cletis and Beth Dobesh of Omaha, Gregory Dobesh of Grand Island and Michael and Patty Dobesh of Wood River; sisters, Lillian Johnson of Holdrege and Margaret Skalka of Doniphan; sister-in-law, Margie Dobesh of Kearney; grandchildren, Jon Dobesh of Lincoln, Brad and Kelly Dobesh and Jennifer Dobesh, all of Wood River, and Klesha and Josh Miller of Crete; stepgrandsons, Josh and Jake Van Pelt; five great-grandchildren; and one stepgreat-grandson.

At a young age he went to work in Aurora at Hamilton County Hybrid Seed Co., where later he became foreman. In 1942, he took a voluntary induction in the U.S. Army and served in the Chemical Warfare Service. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

In 1947 he graduated from the International Detective Training School of Washington, D.C., and worked in that field at various times until his death.

After his Army service, he began work in Kearney at Cornhusker Hybrid Seed Co. as production manager. He also worked part time at Kearney Foundry and Well Drilling Co. and was a tax assessor for Buffalo County. He was one of the first to introduce anhydrous ammonia in the state of Nebraska.

He and his wife were married at Zion Lutheran Church southwest of Lawrence. In early 1952, he and his family moved to a farm northeast of Wood River and began farming and were still involved until his death. During that time, they also farmed in the Atkinson area.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Wood River for many years, served on the building committee and finance committee and was church treasurer. He was on the District 76 School Board and served as treasurer. He was the leader of 76 Huskers 4-H Club and past ASCS committee man and FmHA committee man. He was appointed to serve on the draft board during the Vietnam War. During that time, two of his sons served in the Army.

He was a forerunner in the early years of Husker Harvest Days. Later, he was the farm manager and took over the farming at the site, the exhibit area and test plots for a number of years.

He was a past member of the chamber of commerce, the AIN board and the Industrial Foundation. He was a past member of the Grand Island Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of the American Legion Club, Platt Duetsche Society and the Saddle Club, and a board member of Crime Stoppers. He was an admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska and a member of the Grand Island Port.

In late 1983, he and his wife moved to Grand Island from the farm. They transferred to Grace Lutheran Church in Grand Island. In 1988, he was elected to the City Council from Ward 2, and in 1990 he was elected mayor. After his term he spent his time at the farm. He enjoyed ice fishing, playing cards and visiting with friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Julie Davidson; and brother, Justus.

Memorials are suggested to Heartland Lutheran High School.

Condolences may be sent to www.giallfaiths.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kearney Hub on Apr. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Dobesh

Not sure what to say?





John O Barta

May 4, 2008

was told by a fellow employee of the passing when he seen that Ernie's mother was a Barta, did not know of the relation, his mother was my grandfathers brothers daughter

Arlene (Waskowiak) Rea

April 27, 2008

Wilma and Family,
My sincerest sympathies! I have fond memories of babysitting for you in your home on Saturday nights. And I was always in awe of your farming expertise.

Cletis: Enjoy your memories.

Lori Whitefoot Christensen

April 25, 2008

To Ernie everyone he met was a friend. I remember his smile and ability to relate to all he knew. He made many contributions in his life-time. He will be missed by many.
Sincerely,

Susie and Mark Henk

April 25, 2008

Ernie will be greatly missed by all of us at Godfathers Pizza. The spirit he brought during his visits helped brighten our day. Our condolences to the entire family.

April 25, 2008

Wilma & Family - Our deepest sympathy - we will be unable to attend Ernie's service due to prior commitment - Our prayers are with you. Randie & Joyce

Lou Ann Bucheimer

April 25, 2008

Wilma and family, I know how much you will miss Ernie. Your many memories of his love of life, his love of his country, his love of his community, but especially his love of you will surround you with joy and give you much comfort. He was one of a kind and we were all so fortunate to have known him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Bonnie & Tim Kosmicki & Family

April 25, 2008

Ernie was not only a friend to my parents, but also was a friend to everyone that came in touch with him!! Ernie never went anywhere without a smile on his face. Ernie will be missed by all! Thank God we were blessed to know Ernie and his family!
Our thoughts and prayer are with all of you during this very difficult time. Hold onto all those great memories - this is what will get you through the difficult times!

Sally Davidson Edsill

April 24, 2008

"Lord, make us mindful of the little things that grow and blossom in those days to make the world beautiful for us"
-W.E.B. DuBois

There are those 'special' people who have such a passion for life through their love of family, the land, their community, their country, their schools, their church, God, and their humor!

'Uncle Ernie" you have touched all of our lives through your heart, smile, and the 'twinkle' in your eye!

Dear family our hearts and prayers are with you, and we know the love that Ernie had for you will give you strength in the days to come.

Jack and Sally Davidson Edsill
Aransas Pass, TX.

Cinde Hoffman

April 24, 2008

Greg and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Fond memories of your dad. He gave so much to the community. He made the community a better place to live.Loving family, friends,and life, he will be missed.

Dolly Clinch

April 24, 2008

Our world has lost a wonderful man. He was such a joyful person with a happy attitude for life. He was generous & kind to family and friends and will be greatly missed. His work ethic should be an example to all. May he rest in peace and may his family enjoy the special memories of him. God bless you.

R. L. (Bob) Ripp

April 24, 2008

With deepest sympathy to the family of Ernie Dobesh. Ernie was one of a kind. People who were fortunate enough to know him well could not help but admire and respect him. As one who came to know Ernie well during his time as Mayor and through the Grand Island Rotary Club, it soon became obvious he was a man of integrity who always had the best interests of his community and others at the very heart of his being. He will be greatly missed and the eternal kingdom will be enriched by his presence. Godspeed, Ernie. JOHN 14.

Bill Guckert

April 24, 2008

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I truly regret that I will be unable to attend the service, but I will be there in spirit.

Mary Waskowiak

April 24, 2008

A wonderful, wonderful man. We will miss him dearly in Crime Stoppers. He made a difference in so many lives and in his community. Our prayers are with you.

Kevin & Jade Wondercheck

April 24, 2008

We are deeply sorry for your loss, remember all the wonderful memories you shared to help you get through this difficult time.

Richard (Dick) Bass

April 24, 2008

My sympathy to the family during this difficult time. May God,s grace be with you .

Richard (Dick) Bass

April 24, 2008

My sympathy to the family during thisdiffult time. May God,s grace be with you.

Patty Eihusen

April 24, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dru Duering

April 24, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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