Remembering Ernie

Thanks to Pastor John Scheffer, I was reminded that today is Ernie Kuehnel’s birthday. Ernie was born on March 8, 1932 in Illinois. He went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 28, 2007. He served his country during the Korean War. In 1992 they moved to Gardnerville, Nevada and lived right across the street from us on Waterloo. Ernie was at our first service at the Carson Valley Middle School. He and his wife Flo were charter members of the church. Ernie became our first deacon in 1994. In July 1995, his dear wife went home to be with the Lord.

Ernie’s faithfulness was always remarkable. His favorite verse was Deut. 33:25, "as your days, so shall your strength be." He was loyal and trustworthy. He was an avid reader. I could go to his house and there in his breakfast nook would be Berkhof, Luther, Owen and Calvin, along with Bible dictionaties and commentaries. He earnestly prayed. He prayed for the church body. He ministered to others, to the sick and dying. He was an adopted grandpa by one of our families. He gave room and board to young men in our church. He was a servant. He lived the life of self-denial in following Jesus. He was humble, generous and loving.

The last few years of his life were filled with suffering. He never complained. I have tried to honor Ernie’s memory in my book Feelings and Faith, pages 92-93.

I thank God for the gift Ernie was to me and this body. Thanks John for reminding me of his birthday.

Wanting to be more like Ernie,

Pastor Brian