He was born September 21, 1947 in Peoria, IL to Henry and Frieda (Grieger) Rech. He married Betty Bryan on May 18, 1979 in Pekin, IL. She survives.
Also surviving are a step-son, Arthur (Tamy) Lovell of North Carolina, three siblings, Arlene Hensley of Madison, WI, Henrietta Mason of Pekin, IL, and Martin (Annette) Rech of Sarona, WI; and nine nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Anita Wainscott.
Ernest served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1968. He worked as a Publications Author for Caterpillar until retiring in 2014, and was a member of the Dayspring Native American United Methodist Church in East Peoria. Ernest was a past President of Midwest Gun Collectors Association and was an avid Gardener for over 40 years. He and his wife Betty, toured the lower 48 states and Canada on their motorcycle, and were able to visit the majority of the National Forests in the United States. Ernest also enjoyed bowling on leagues in both Pekin and Washington, and loved to go fishing in Wisconsin.
Cremation will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Day Spring Native American United Methodist Church in East Peoria. Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria is in charge of arrangements. Burial of the urn will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to Dayspring Native American United Methodist Church for the purchase of an evacuation chair. Online condolences can be submitted to www.remmertfuneralhome.com.
