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BORN
1935
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Ernest Risner Obituary
WAPAKONETA -- Ernest D. 'Ernie' Risner, 89, of Wapakoneta, died 9:35 p.m., Tues. Nov. 19, 2024, at the St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima, OH. He was born Sept. 11, 1935, in Jackson, MI, the son of Lonnie & Zelma (Gossard) Risner, who preceded him in death. On May 30, 1959, he married Celila M. Davis, who survives.
Other survivors include, 2 children, E. Scott (Amy) Risner, Wapakoneta, Pamela (Phillip) Downing, Beavercreek, OH, 2 grandchildren, Phillip Chadwick 'Chad' Downing, Columbus, William Ernest 'Bill' (Maggie) Downing, Grove City, OH, great grandchild, Maeve Elizabeth Downing, 4 step-grandchildren, Justin Gabel, Mike Gabel, Nick Gabel, all of Coldwater, Samantha Gabel, Wapakoneta, 4 step-great grandchildren, Madison, Emma, Harper, & Amelia Gabel.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather and grandmother, Ernest (Ilo) Gossard; a brother, Weldon Risner; and a sister, Rita Estes.
Ernie was an entrepreneur, owning many hotels, restaurants, and taverns in New Jersey and Ohio. He was a member of Rotary Clubs, both in Glassboro, N.J. and Wapakoneta, where he proudly served as President numerous times; Chamber of Commerce in Glassboro, N.J. and Wapakoneta; Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445; Wapak First Church; and served as President of the N.J. State Liquor Association for numerous years. He was a proud member of the United State Air Force. Ernie was a generous man that enjoyed helping out those people that were down on their luck, be it with a hot meal or a room for the night.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Sat. Nov. 23, 2024, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, Pastor Josh Tissot officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sat. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the American Kidney Association or the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. Memorial may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Risner
Kelly Follin
November 22, 2024
So sorry for your loss , Scott and Amy....
Kelly (Smith) Follin
Karen Emerson
November 22, 2024
Ernie was a very kind and generous man. Always enjoyed working for him and Celia. RIP Ernie! Karen Emerson
Jerry Bowersock
November 21, 2024
Worked for Ernie at the Tavern in downtown Wapakoneta when I was a young man have alot of great memories from that time RIP Ernie
Melinda (Singleton) Otto
November 21, 2024
Our deepest sympathies to all of you. What a sweet man he was. You are in our prayers.
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Joe Warnement
November 21, 2024
Sending Deepest Sympathy to Pam and family Thinking of You.
Darrell Tobin
November 21, 2024
I'm sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the love and memories you shared with Ernest. My heart is with you and your family.
- Darrell Tobin
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Memorial Events
for Ernest Risner
Nov
23
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Eley Funeral Home & Crematory - Wapakoneta1102 Lincoln Hwy/St Rt 501, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Nov
23
Funeral service
1:00 p.m.
Eley Funeral Home & Crematory - Wapakoneta1102 Lincoln Hwy/St Rt 501, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Funeral services provided by:
Eley Funeral Home & Crematory - Wapakoneta1102 Lincoln Hwy/St Rt 501, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
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