Olivia J. Ernst, 99, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. prior to Mass at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Olivia was born January 31, 1927, in St. Donatus, Iowa, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Heiar) Ambrosy. She married Carl J. Ernst on September 19, 1945, at St. Donatus Catholic Church; he preceded her in death on February 12, 2013.  They were married for 67 years.

Olivia and Carl lived wonderful lives. They loved and enjoyed every moment together.  They worked hard, traveled a little and enjoyed so many beautiful friendships along the way.  Their home on the family farm was always open to friends and relatives, where gatherings were filled with card games, laughter, and plentiful meals. In 1976, they moved to Bellevue.

She dedicated many years of service to the Bellevue Catholic School system and was honored with a certificate of appreciation recognizing 25 years of outstanding and dedicated service.

Olivia and Carl lived their Catholic faith deeply, serving as examples of a faith-filled life to their children and all who knew them. She cherished her family and was known for her unconditional love for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Olivia’s marriage to Carl brought her the greatest joy of her life, her 6 beautiful children; Elaine (Bill) Vander Meulen and Diane (Lenny) Kotz, both of Dubuque; Steve (Gale) Ernst of Peosta; and Carla Ernst of Bellevue; a daughter-in-law, Carla Ernst of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl; her sons, Gary (Carol) Ernst and Dale Ernst; her grandson, William “Bill” Vander Meulen; her great-grandson, William Vander Meulen, Jr.; and 11 siblings: Arnold, Arthur, Ervin, Raymond, Alfred, Leo, Alvin, Wendel, Sylvia Kress, Lucille Duster, and Lester.

A memorial fund has been established in Olivia’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com