Ernest Joseph “Ernie” Luster, 87, Lansing, Iowa, died Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at Gundersen Health Systems, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Ernie was born on March 4, 1930, in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, to John and Loella (Schellsmidt) Luster. Ernie graduated from Harpers Ferry High School with the class of 1948.
Following high school, Ernie worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for a time. He served his country honorably during the Korean War from 1951-1953. Following his time in the military, he helped build the IGA in Lansing, Iowa. Ernie worked for the United States Postal Service for many years and was the Postmaster in Marquette, Iowa until his retirement in 1995.
Ernie enjoyed fishing, playing cards and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, attaining the Fourth Degree, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, Iowa, along with the Lansing VFW and the Harpers Ferry American Legion. He was a charter member of the Lansing Lions Club and was the first person to provide a transport for the club’s volunteer ambulance service.
Survivors include his wife, Alice Luster, Lansing; five children, Mary Carpenter, Manhattan, NY; Jean (Carl) Ruzich, Beecher, IL; Dennis (Kate) Luster, Rockford, IL; Bruce (Kathy) Luster, Frisco, TX; Sara (Juan Carlos) Meza, Ponte Vedra, FL; daughter-in-law, Carol Luster, East Lansing, MI; eleven grandchildren, Amy, Anna, Ben, Kristen, Lisa, Elizabeth, Olivia, Emma, Maggie, Annie, Jack; six great-grandchildren, Zachary, Brittany, Kyle, Lindsey, Cole, Annalyn; sister-in-law, Connie Luster; six siblings, Clarence (Kay) Luster, John (Joyce)Luster, Charles Luster, Madonna (James) Rouiller, Helen (Richard)Hanesworth, and Charlotte (Glenn) Monroe, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Loella Luster; one son, Dr. Thomas Luster; one grandson, Kevin Carpenter; four siblings, Harland Luster, Mary Kane, Myrtle Spinner and James Luster; and in-laws, Rita Luster, Neil Kane, Donald Spinner, and Virginia Luster.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 17, 2017, from 4pm – 7pm at the Thornburg – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Lansing, Iowa, with a 4pm Scripture Service and a 7pm Knights of Columbus Rosary. Visitation will also be held one hour before mass time at the church on Saturday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 11am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, Iowa. The Rev. John Moser will be the celebrant.
Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing, Iowa, with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of your own choice.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Thornburg – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.