Ernie VanHorn

(Earnest) Ernie VanHorn, was born Dec. 20, 1938, in O'Neill, NE to William (Ed) and Bessie VanHorn. He was the youngest, joining sisters Berneice, Dorothy, and Doris. He passed away Jan. 29, 2026, at the Parkside Manor in Stuart, NE.

Ernie started first grade in a country school and later attended St. Joe's Catholic School in Atkinson. Paul Seger, Ernie's best friend, said Ernie spent more time on the basement steps than in the classroom (spending two years in the fifth grade).

In 1952 the VanHorn's moved to Butte, NE. Ernie finished eighth grade at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Butte and his freshman year was spent in Butte also.

The summer following his freshman year, his dad was injured, and Ernie quit school and started working to help the family financially.

Early September 1958, Ernie wanted to enlist in the Army but did not pass the physical. The Army recruiter stated by not passing the physical, he would not be called upon.

Ernie worked odd jobs around the area until October 1958. In December he was hired by Frank and Dorothy Heiser, of Monowi, NE to help with ranching. He worked with the Heiser's until August of 1961. Ernie still wanted to join the Army, and after talking to a recruiter, he was able to take the exam again, passed and headed to Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

Ernie's whole unit was assigned to go to Vietnam in August except him. He had no clue why his orders said Germany. Ernie left for Germany from Fort Hamilton, NY on a boat, the US Darby landing at Bremerhaven, Germany. The company he was assigned to in Germany was a consolidated motor pool barracks. The last nine months in the service he became a classified vehicle inspector. Ernie would inspect tractors and trailers that would be used to haul nuclear war heads. The war heads were coming in from the states and Ernie had to make sure the trucks and tractors were safe before they could be hauled to the missile sites. Ernie completed his GED while he was stationed in Germany and was in the reserves for six years.

Returning home, Ernie worked road construction and for Atkinson IGA. In May of 1965 he began dating Arlene Zahradnicek and they married in August. Arlene went to Lincoln for nursing school and Ernie began working for Beatrice Foods in Lincoln. In 1968 the couple moved to Denver, CO. Ernie began working for a box factory, Thorlo Containers, and going to auto body school. He then attended GM Mechanic Training Center for six months, which led into a job setting up new cars and getting paid $29 a car.

October 1970, Ernie, Don Mlinar and Jim Poessnecker decided to go into business together and he and Arlene moved back to Atkinson. Jim sold his share within the first three months. Don and Ernie parted ways in 1979, and Ernie went out on his own, and started Ernie's Body Shop.

Ernie and Jane Doke were married May 22, 1980. Jane passed away March 31, 2017.

Ernie was a lifetime member of the Atkinson American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jane VanHorn, parents Ed & Bessie VanHorn; sisters Berneice Mathers, Dorothy Goldfuss, and Doris Poessnecker.

Ernie is survived by his stepchildren Jerry (Dee Dee) Doke of Clearwater, Larry (Cathy) Doke of Ainsworth, Dan (Teresa) Doke of Ranchester, WY, and Tammy Cline of Newport; 13 Grandchildren, 29 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.