Ralph J. Ernst, 73, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 1:20 P/M, on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, in Iowa City, IA.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, on Monday, May 21, 2018, at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion Post #787.

Visitation is from 2 P/M - 6 P/M, on Sunday, May 20, 2018, and from 9 A/M - 9:45 A/M, on Monday, May 21, 2018, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, where the parish prayer service will be at 1:30 P/M, on Sunday, and members of the American Legion Post, #787, of East Dubuque, will meet at 2 P/M, on Sunday.

Ralph was born on November 2, 1944, in Bellevue, IA, the son of Orville M. and Marie H. (Till) Ernst.  He graduated from Marquette High School, in Bellevue.  Ralph served in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1965-1967.  He married June "Bonnie" Splinter, on July 8, 1972, at Nativity Church, in Dubuque, IA.

Ralph was a member of Local #94 of the U.A.W. and American Legion Post, #787, of East Dubuque.  He retired after (33) years from the John Deere Dubuque Works.  Ralph and Bonnie were caretakers at the East Dubuque Cemetery for (15) years.  He loved to hear and tell good jokes, play golf, take care of his immaculate lawn at home and also enjoyed watching the Cubs, Packers and Bears with his wife by his side.  Ralph loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of almost (45) years, Bonnie; his children, Cindy (Jeff) Apel, of East Dubuque, IL, Jeff Driscoll and (special friend, Angie) from Louisiana, Lisa (John) Mueller, of Farley, IA, and Tanya (Pat) Schilling, of Dubuque, IA; three (3) grandsons, Jake Schroeder, of Dubuque, IA, Joe Apel, of Germantown, MD, and Michael Atchison, of Dubuque, IA; great-granddaughters, Ava and Audrey; and one (1) great-grandson, Kellen; his siblings, Juneva Sagers, Cleo Manning, and Annaclete (Julius) Nimms, all of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews; his in-laws, Edmund Splinter, Brenda Halfhill and David "Pete" Splinter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Jerry Manning; niece, Chris Manning; sisters-in-law, Doris Splinter and Debbie Levins; brother-in-law, Mike Levins; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ed and Dorothy Splinter; great-nephew, Nick VanOstrand; and great niece, Donna Splinter.

Ralph's family would also like to extend "heartfelt thanks" to Officer Kyle Huseman and the East Dubuque Area EMT's for their quick response and compassion!

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com