Ernie Hiesterman

Ernie Hiesterman, 66, of Barnes, KS, died February 18, 2016 in Washington County, KS. Visitation was Monday, February 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Linn. The family received friends 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 23, at Immanuel Lutheran Church west of Linn. Rev. Richard Rikli officiated. Barbara Ruhnke played the organ while the congregation sang “A Mighty Fortress”, “I’m But a Stranger Here”, and “Go My Children, With My Blessing”. The pallbearers were Jeremy Olson, Kevin Clark, Jason Uffman, Chris Wilkens, Steven Melvin, Stanton Uffman, Dave Wollenburg, Luke Hiesterman, Daniel Hiesterman, and Jordan Hiesterman. The honorary pallbearers were Kaleb Clark, William Olson, Abigail Olson, Lillian Olson, Ida Hiesterman, Elizabeth Olson, Lorena Hiesterman, Kaden Clark, and Savannah Clark. Burial was at God’s Hill, south of Barnes. Ernie was born on May 2, 1949 at Clay Center to Erwin and Elsie (Burger) Hiesterman. He was baptized May 15, 1949 by Pastor Walter G. Biel and confirmed April 7, 1963 by Pastor Harlan Meier at the Zion Lutheran Church in Linn. After graduating high school, Ernie attended Beloit Vo-Tech for one year and attended K-State for three years. On April 3, 1976, he was united in marriage to Cindy Lea Drebes at the St. Peters Lutheran Church, Barnes. Ernie was a lifelong farmer and stockman. He loved farming and spending time outdoors. When times were tough he would say “It’s a good day to be on a farm in Kansas” He was a passionate pasture cleaner and fence builder. At family gatherings Ernie would make his way to the kids table. Then he would jump right in to a ball game of some sort with the kids or start a card game with the men. He never lost at a game of checkers and every meal he ever had was “The best one he had that day.” His family was his greatest joy and they shared him with so many people. Ernie had the spiritual gift of helping. He attended both Zion and Immanuel Lutheran church and was “just the driver” for the Lutheran Youth Fellowship for many years. No greater thing can be said of a man than that he was loved by so many. Survivors include his wife, Cindy; children, Laura (Kevin) Clark, Barnes, Kate (Jeremy) Olson, Palmer, KS, and Daniel (Lydia) Hiesterman, Washington, KS, siblings, John (Ramona) Hiesterman, Washington, Dee (Kollette) Hiesterman, Milford, Joel (Michela) Hiesterman, Phillipsburg, and Philip (Vickie) Hiesterman, Linn; seven grandchildren, William Olson, Elizabeth Olson, Abigail Olson, Lorena Hiesterman, Lillian Olson, Ida Hiesterman, and Kaleb Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two grandchildren, Kaden and Savannah Clark. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later by the family. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, P.O. Box 157, Washington, KS. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ernie Hiesterman, please visit our flower store.