Deryl “Buddy” Ernster, 92, of Asbury, died Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:15 am Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Deryl will be 11:30 am Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Deryl was born November 2, 1931, in Dubuque, the son of  Harry and Emma Hinzman Ernster. On July 23, 1955, he married Margaret Thul at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Asbury, IA. She passed away on November 15, 1985.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving as a sergeant during the Korean War. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart.

Buddy was a union painter for over 70 years and was a member of the Painters Local Union #447. He was a mechanic and woodworker and loved tinkering around in his garage.

Survivors include one son, Duane (Tami) Ernster of Dubuque; two daughters, Denise Reeve of Dubuque, and Susan Ernster FSPA of LaCrosse, WI; three granddaughters, Sara Ernster, Emily Ernster, and Marie Ernster; and one brother, Harry Ernster, Jr. of Dubuque; sister-in-law, Darlene Wubben; brothers-in-law, Willie Thul and Ray (Pat) Thul.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two sons, Eric and Neal Ernster, one son-in-law, Mark Reeve, two sisters, Gloria (Jerry) Steil and Gayelle (Leroy) Blum, two brothers-in-law, Leonard Thul and Vernon Wubben, and one sister-in-law, Joyce Thul.

The family thanks Hospice of Dubuque, Luther Manor, and Dr. Sullivan, who was with us through the entire journey, for caring for Buddy.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Buddy’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.