We have such fond memories from our visit to Pittsburgh in 1996. Joe showed us his hometown an traveled with us to Niagara Falls. We have found so much nice pictures from our holidays. The momory of a very dear person remains. Our thougts are with the family. 

We are very sad to hear of Joe's death. He was such a happy person. We are glad that he visited us in Germany and that we were able to get to know him better... he always let us share in his life with letters and pictures.
The loss for the family is very great. We think of you...
The Erny family from Rust, German

Dave,
sorry to hear of your dad's passing.  my thoughts are with you and your family.
Steve Onderko

Joe was a wonderful grandfather to Carlena when she was little. She loved her time with “pops” he would sing and dance with her and he was Mesmerized with every move she made and he was her Superman. Rest In Peace knowing Carlena and your grandchildren and great grandchildren are exceptional humans.

Joe’s great grandsons, Victor on the left, & Brixtan. 

Joe with wife, Phyllis, daughters Kathy & Elaine, & grandson Christian with Nugget.  

Joe was always so kind and friendly.  Always had a smile on his face!  Joe's family is in our thoughts!
Kerry Lyden (Rita & Dale Sch in else's daughter)

Some favorite memories with our Dad and Grandfather. 

OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE ERNY FAMILY

HARRY AND EVELYN BALZERT
NAPLES, FLORIDA

Lets all take a moment to remember a time when we were all more…. “reasonable”.

Know that you set the standard for myself and others. You may not have had all the answers, and the job wasn’t always easy. However, because of you, the bar is high. We can only strive to be like you.

And as you said in a voicemail I recently rediscovered: “This is the prime of your life. Don’t let it pass by too quickly”.

From a Sailor who holds the watch to one who once did….

“You clearly gave it your all,
And through your selfless actions,
Others will hear the call.

So take your place of honor,
Among those who have gone before,
And know you will be remembered,
For now and evermore.”

I won’t let you down Petty Officer

I have so many wonderful memories of my dad. He could fix anything no matter what it was. He loved fixing computers and TV’s as a young man. He loved his grandchildren and those were the best years for him. He was fortunate to have 32 years of retirement.  He used it well. He loved life and was so strong and a fighter.  He loved walking every day with his friends. He enjoyed many years as a member of the Teutonia Mannechoir club including as a singer in their choir.  I was the first born and my dad and I did everything together for the first five years of my life. We walked, we watched Gunsmoke together.  When he drove in a car I stood next to him on the seat with my arm around his neck. He would sit at the dinner table for hours after working all day to help us with our homework.  Thank you dad for being a wonderful father, provider and grandfather.  We love you.  

Pop was special to all of us and we can agree he has shaped our lives into what they are presently.  From a far pop would be seen as a skilled handyman, someone who could disassemble and fix almost anything...broken or not. Passerby's would watch him in jealously looking upon this old man doing twice if not more exercise then they could ever bear. At some point gram might have even said he was "Hotter than a jug full of red ants" in appearance, a quote famously used by Festus, one of his favorite characters in Gunsmoke. On the other hand his friends might describe him as the greatest schuhplattler and choir member of the Teutonia Hall or maybe just the guy who would always beat them in a game of pool. His smile and contagious laugh will be greatly missed by everyone he's touched. However at his core pop was a Proud but modest family man.  He put his children on the front stage of his life literally with the one he built for them in the basement. To his grandchildren he built them the armor they needed to be strong out of cardboard. And to this family he built the castle and our foundation out of toilet paper rolls. He gave us not only wisdom and encouragement but he is an inspiration to us. And if nothing else he has at least taught us what zum geburtstag means. Although he is gone he will never be forgotten and lives on within all of us. He will be there as we continue to grow and as problems eventually arise we can think back...what would pop do?

I'll miss seeing you puttering in your yard. How you loved your garden, and talking with me. You have a special place in my life. They don't make people like you.

To pop, 
I will miss you so much and always cherish our memories from my childhood. From polka dancing in the basement, to teaching  me how to swim, you will forever be in my heart. Love you always, 
Carlena 

OBITUARY

Joseph S. Erny

17 November, 1930 – 28 January, 2022

H.P. Brandt Funeral Home

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