William "Bill" Ernst

William “Bill” Ernst passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26th while surrounded by his loving family at the golden age of 91. Beloved Husband of Beverly nee Glienke, for a loving 68 years. Devoted Father of Debra (Neil) Hammes, Cynthia Kaluzny, Todd (Maureen), Jeffrey (Melissa) and Timothy (Kristin). Loving Son of the late William and the late Cookie nee Samuel, Ernst. Fond Grandfather of Sara (Justin) Hendrickson, Wesley (Daphne) Hammes, Abigail (Rodrigo) Lopez, Samuel (Sarah) Ernst, William Ernst, Brittany (Garrett) Tubbs, Tiffany (Austin) Ogiba and Jack Ernst. Fond Great Grandfather of David Hendrickson, Tayson Ogiba, Kaia Ogiba, Theodora Lopez and Coralina Lopez. Dear Brother of the late Carol (the late John) Prescott. Dear Brother in Law to Joyce Rotermund and Joan (the late Donald) Glienke. Dear Uncle of many.

Bill was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Forest Park.  In his younger days he served as a Sunday School teacher.  He was an usher for many years and served on the picnic committee, helped set up and decorate the church Christmas trees, and played on the Dartball team.

Bill loved his Westchester community.  He owned and operated Ernst Tree Care and Landscaping Inc. for 39 years, helping to beautify the village in many ways.  Bill enjoyed helping to spruce up the fountain area at the corner of Mannheim and Cermak.  His own yard and koi pond were his pride and joy.  He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and served in many capacities, including president.  He also worked on arranging their Christmas luncheon and helped organize the Fourth of July parade, Fun Fest, and tour groups to Springfield.  He had served on the Library Board and Firemen's Pension Board, and recently he worked on the Westchester 100th Anniversary Committee. 

Bill enjoyed camping with his family and traveling to many places with his wife Bev.  He was an avid fisherman and loved golfing, and shared these activities with his family and friends.

Special thank you to the staff members of Bella Terra Elmhurst, Elmhurst Hospital, and DaVita Home Dialysis in Downers Grove for the compassionate care they gave Bill during the past several months.  His family is very grateful. 

Family and Friends are to gather for the Visitation on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt, Hillside, Illinois, 60162 (Located between Mannheim and Wolf Road). Funeral to follow Thursday, March 5, 2026 for a 1 hour Visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels with a Funeral Service to immediately follow promptly at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, 17 West 201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181. For additional information call (708) 449-5300. In lieu of flowers donations to St. John Lutheran Church in Forest Park, Illinois is appreciated. Please share a remembrance or condolence on Bill’s tribute wall/guestbook found on the tab above.  

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