Ernest William "Ernie" Lubahn

Ernest "Ernie" William Lubahn, 95, of Waukon, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be held at Zion United Church of Christ, 113 1st St. NE, Waukon, Iowa, on Thursday, September 11, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM and on Friday, September 12, from 10:00 to 10:50 AM. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 12, with a meal to be served after.
Born on December 27, 1929, in Oronoco, Minnesota, to William and Clara (Koenig) Lubahn, Ernie was one of nine children. He grew up on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco and attended grade school there before graduating from John Marshall High School in Rochester. A true pioneer in his family, Ernest was the only one of his siblings to graduate high school. His love for the outdoors began at a young age, fishing with a cane pole below the Oronoco dam and helping on the family's 80-acre farm with a horse-drawn, row plow.
Ernie married the love of his life, Donna Jean Hager, on February 18, 1951. Their 74-year marriage was a testament to their deep love and commitment. Together, they raised five sons: Terry, Dennis, Scott, Randy, and Troy.
Ernie's life was defined by hard work and a dedication to his community. He began his career working on his father's farm and later at Piggly Wiggly. He and Donna took over his father-in-law's grocery store, which they ran for a number of years. He was a man of many trades, serving as a school bus driver, church janitor, and a talented carpenter who built homes and fine custom furniture for over 50 years. He was a co-creator of the ball diamond in Waukon Park and was a proud pitcher for the Waukon fast-pitch team. His commitment to service extended to the community through his roles as a Boy Scout leader for Troop 64 for a decade, a member of the Lions Club, a school board member, and a Waukon City Council member.
Ernie's greatest passion was his family and fishing. He introduced many to the sport, living by his famous phrase, "We came here to fish, let's fish." His love of adventure and fishing took him on countless trips across the country, including 32 consecutive years of trips to Canada, with numerous Canadian trips after that. Ernie made four journeys to Alaska with friends and had a love for taking pictures, specializing in sunsets and his many fishing journeys. He also enjoyed pheasant and deer hunting, camping, and extensive road trips in his van or motor home. He organized 12 years of bus trips for local sportsmen to attend the St. Paul Sport Show. In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing penny-poker with friends and being part of couples' card clubs. Ernest also made multiple trips to Biloxi and Montana to support the Back Bay Mission.
A gifted woodworker, his shop was his sanctuary, a place of creativity and comfort. He built furniture for the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center, cabinets for the local historical society, and multiple churches. He was a problem-solver who was always willing to help. Ernie was known for his friendly nature, enjoying conversations with strangers and sharing meals in small-town cafes. He was a leader, a mentor, and a mischievous soul who loved to tell stories.
He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his generosity, his love of family, and his ability to fix anything. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara Lubahn; his brothers, Willie, Orv, Cal, Arvin, Lyle, and Daryl; his sister, Gladys; his in-laws, Edward and Elsie Hager; and his brothers-in-law, Keith Hager and Jim Hager.
He is survived by his loving wife of seventy-four years, Donna Lubahn; his children, Terry (Karla), Dennis (Julie), Scott (Julie), Randy (Judy), and Troy (Shari); 13 grandchildren, Kaitlin, Corey, Jill, Brent, Kyle, Alex, Amanda, Greg, Brian, Michael, Ryan, Logan, and Reagan; 13 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Gordy (Mary).
Ernest will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to his family, his community, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, his love for the outdoors, and his tireless spirit.