Stanley Edwald Ernst

1935 - 2026

Stanley Ewald Ernst passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the age of 90 1/2 years. He was born June 7, 1935, to Charles Ernst and Erna Schmidt Ernst at home on the Ernst Ranch west of Fredericksburg. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong faithful member and served on the Church Council and numerous committees over the years.



Stanley is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Doris Ernst, her children, Darrell (LeAnn) Brogdon of Kansas City; Kay Wells of Austin; and Susan Brogdon of San Antonio, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving Stanley is his sister Janet Sedwick (Roy), nephew Jason Barnes (Robin) and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Erna Ernst, and his brother, Alton Ernst (Marlene).



He attended Honey Creek Country School and Fredericksburg public schools, graduating from Fredericksburg High School in 1954. He then attended Tarleton College and Texas Lutheran College. He worked for Convair in Fort Worth before starting his 31-yr career with the USDA Entomology Lab in Kerrville. Here he was instrumental in helping eradicate the screwworm. He and Doris met while they both worked at the lab in Kerrville. After their marriage, they started the first equipment rental store, Time Rentals, in Fredericksburg (now Sunbelt Rentals).



Stanley was a founding Director of Pioneer National Bank - now First United Bank. He was always proud to let everyone know that his ranch provided the rocks used to build the first bank building on North Llano St. which still houses a branch of the bank.



Stanley was a life long rancher and a long-time, faithful director of the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association where he spent many hours and made many friends, serving as President 1993-94.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, February 3 from 1 to 2 P.M. in the Zion Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg with Funeral Service at 2 P.M.

Graveside services and interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given in his memory to the Gillespie County Fair Association, Zion Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com