Ernie C. Highlen

Ernie passed away Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025 at Bay City Comfort Care, at the age of 80. He was born December 21, 1944. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Ernie retired from Grey Iron Foundry in Saginaw as a millwright. In his free time, he enjoyed going to the casino and watching golf.

Left to cherish his memories are his children, Kimberly (Greg Courier) Goodnight and Todd Highlen; his grandchildren, Cody Goodnight and Nicole Goodnight, his siblings, Bev (Joe) Laskey, David (Diane) Highlen, Nancy Cooney and his brother-in-law, Jarome Bialobrzeski, along with many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Chardon, Grace McDowell and Lester Highlen, his in-laws, Erv and Dorothy Loessel, his wife Cheryl Lynn Highlen whom he married December 28, 1963 and she passed away October 3, 2016, his son-in-law, James Goodnight Jr., his brothers-in-law and sisters in law, Mike Cooney, Judith Bialobrzewski, Pat Phillips, Myrtle Oatzes, Ron and Sharon Loessel and Molly and Ed Lesko. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his hospice nurse Nancy from American’s Hospice, the staff of Bay City Comfort Care and Brookdale Memory Care for the kind and compassionate care that was given to Ernie in his time of need.

At the request of Ernie cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Rev. Philip Barewolf with private inurnment in Floral Gardens Cemetery. The family will be present at the funeral home on Wednesday to receive family and friends from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider donations to Wishes of the Family.