Ernest D. "Ernie" Risner

Ernest D. 'Ernie' Risner, 89, of Wapakoneta, died 9:35 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima, Ohio. He was born September 11, 1935, in Jackson, Michigan, 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, Ohio,
2 grandchildren, Phillip Chadwick 'Chad' Downing, Columbus,
William Ernest 'Bill' (Maggie) Downing, Grove City, Ohio,
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., Saturday, November 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., Saturday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the American Kidney Association or the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.