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1938 Harry 2020

Harry John Ernat

August 20, 1938 — December 24, 2020

Moline

Harry John Ernat, 82, of Moline, passed away December 24th at UnityPoint Hospital Rock Island surrounded by his family.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will be at St. Mary's, East Moline.  A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Moline on January 16th, 2020 at 9:30 am.  The family would like to note that the mass will honor both Sandy and Harry.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Jimmy V Foundation may be sent to the family.

Harry was born on August 20th, 1938 in Peru, IL to Roman and Pearl Ernat.  He married his best friend Sandy Siefken on November 12th, 1960 and was proud to celebrate 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife.

He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1957. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Moline, where he served as a greeter. Harry retired from Scott Decorating in 1999 after a 36-year career as a union painter.  He took great pride in the company he worked for and the work he did.  He loved telling everyone about the many places he worked and interesting jobs completed.  His most treasured “jobs” were the ones done at the homes of family members.  He was the first to be there to lend a hand painting and of course giving all the necessary critics of the work.

Harry took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.   He treasured his role of a grandfather, affectionally called “Dzia Dzia”.  He was a passionate fan and loved watching all his children and grandchildren compete in sports.  Everyone knew when Harry was in the stands.  He was most content surrounded by his family and enjoying quiet days at home hanging out on the patio with his wife.  He was an avid sports fan and loved watching all the games on TV.    He enjoyed traveling and the many adventures to state parks, the beach, river boat cruises and any other fun adventure his adoring wife would plan.

Harry was an avid gardener and took pride in his beautiful yard and flowers.  He also loved to see the delight in the kid’s eyes when he would put up great Christmas decorations each year.

Harry is survived by two daughters and one son; Tracy Helderman and son-in-law Mark of Coal Valley, Katy Nelsen and son-in-law Mike of Andalusia; Ray Ernat and daughter-in-law Barb of Chicago, IL, seven grandchildren; Megan Humpal (Blake), Sarah Helderman, Laura Helderman; Hannah and Reed Nelsen; Thomas and Jack Ernat and two great-grandchildren Haddie and Isla Humpal; one brother Arthur Ernat (Mary), sister-in-law Marlene Ernat and many nieces and nephews whom he cherished.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Sandy whom passed away on December 3rd; daughter Denise Ernat-George and son-in-law Kevin George; brothers, James “Jake”, Ronald, Raymond; sisters Agnes and Bernice and his parents Roman and Pearl Ernat

Memories may be shared online by visiting the tribute wall.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Harry John Ernat, please visit our flower store.

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