Ernest Stoldt

Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Ernest John Stoldt received his orders to report to heaven on March 20, 2017. Ernie died at his home in Canon City, Colorado of natural causes while puttering in his work shop. He was 86 years old. Ernie was born to Ernest Ferdinand Stoldt and Maria Rosa Christensen on December 28, 1930 at home on a small farm in Harrison County, Iowa. His father died when he was 9 years old, and his mother moved the family to Missouri Valley. After graduating from Missouri Valley High School in 1949, Ernie worked for the railroad as a steam locomotive fireman. He joined the Air Force in 1951. His 20 year career as an electronics specialist took him all over the world including tours in Greenland, Turkey, and Morocco. Ernie married Glenda Jean Hillman on August 5, 1951, and they had 5 children. Ernie was a unique and independent individual. After retirement, he moved the family to Manville, Wyoming where the family lived for the next 10 years. For over 30 years, he and Glenda spent their summers in a cabin high in the Rocky Mountains near White Pine, Colorado. Ernie loved to hike and enjoyed the solitude of the wilderness. In the winter months, they got great pleasure from their time in the high desert near Carrizozo, New Mexico. He was a proud member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and has now joined the church triumphant. Ernie is survived by his wife Glenda, son Vince (Barbara), daughters Cheryll (Chip) Graves, Lil (Stan) Graves, Jocelyn (Glenn) Fischer, 11 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Glen, and 2 grandsons (Steve and Kevin). A celebration of his 86 years of earthly deployment will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Canon City at 10:30 a.m. on April 22, 2017.