Ann Hyacinth Ernesti was born July 4, 1922 on the family farm at St. Charles to Charles and Margaret (Stratman) Gerken.  She attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School, then worked in Omaha prior to her marriage.  On February 4, 1953, Ann married Leander Ernesti at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Charles. 

The couple farmed west of Aloys, moving into Howells in 1963.  Ann was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, and Jolly 14 Extension Club.  She enjoyed ceramics, playing cards, and traveling.  In 2008, Ann moved to Homestead Assisted Living in Norfolk, where she enjoyed taking in all the activities, including art classes and learning to paint.

Survivors include her daughters Carol Ann (Ron) Kluck of Schuyler and Joan (Duane) Freudenburg of Norfolk; son Clarence (Terri) Ernesti of Fremont; grandchildren Curt (Melissa) Ernesti, Mike (Jessi) Kluck, Brenda (Nate) Bahensky, and Tim Kluck; nine great-grandchildren;  and sisters Clara Wiesen and Marie Gerken, both of Beemer.  Ann was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leander in 1982; sisters Pauline Gerken and Charlotte Throener; and brothers Leo Gerken and Herbert Gerken.