Florence C. Ernzen, age 96, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 3:12 a.m., on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Stonehill Care Center. To honor Florence’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, August 13, 2018, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Dwayne J. Thoman officiating. To celebrate Florence’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 12, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Florence was born on December 6, 1921, in Balltown, Iowa, daughter of John and Cecilia (Hansen) Link.

Florence surely enjoyed growing up in the amazing world of country life. An honest days work was never to be missed, but some relaxing time with family and friends always seemed to find its way into the days also. Florence was fortunate enough to cross paths with her soul-mate, Harold Ernzen, and the loving couple was united in marriage on April 12, 1944, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Balltown, Iowa. They would be blessed with 47 wonderful years, and 7 adored children together before Harold was sadly called home ahead of her on September 13, 1991. Florence was primarily a devoted wife, mother and grandmother throughout her 96 year earthly journey, but she did also faithfully devote over 30 years of her talents outside of the home at both Leiser’s and Sweeney’s Supper Club. Florence’s main focus in life was undeniably her family and to hold a place in her heart as one of her dearly loved ones was all anyone would require to find fulfillment in this world. But, her commitment to her church and community would run a close 2nd to family in Florence’s mind. Her faith was found not only in how she lived her daily life, but also within her long-time membership to Holy Ghost Church and their Rosary Society. Florence also generously gave of her personal time with many social and senior citizen groups around town; including any opportunity to create masterpieces in multiple quilting groups, an evening of hoping for the opportunity to yell “Bingo”, or absolutely any opportunity to sit around the card table and regularly prove her uncanny ability to produce a winning Euchre hand again and again. We arrive in this new day with broken hearts, but we are forever grateful for the 96 years Florence blessed our lives and we know that she was beyond ready to be reunited with her 3 sons, and her loving husband, Harold, so they could begin their eternal walk together, hand in hand once again. We miss you Mom, we love you, we thank you and we will forever treasure every memory you leave behind. God Bless You!

Those left to cherish Florence’s memory include

her loving children,
Mary Ann (Leonard) Kremer, Dubuque, IA
and Kay (Dave) Stoffel, Sherrill, IA,
Geralyn “Geri” (Bill) Hall, Dubuque, IA
and Mark (Beverlie) Ernzen, Dubuque, IA;

a daughter-in-law,
Mary Ernzen, Luxemburg, IA;

14 grandchildren,
Steve (Jackie) Stoffel, Tom Stoffel, Terry (Jenny) Stoffel, Traci (Peter) Gael, Candice (Lon) Heinkel, Heather (Shawn) Spina, Nick (Janel) Hall, Matt Ernzen, Dave (April) Ernzen, Beth Ernzen, Jessica (Robert) Young, Michael Ernzen, Ben Ernzen and Robin Ernzen;

19 great-grandchildren;

and a sister-in-law,
Velma Link, Key West, IA.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold Ernzen; her 3 sons, Davey in infancy, Jim Ernzen and Donnie (Rosemary) Ernzen; her siblings, Hilda (Joe) Klosterman, Carl Link, Silverius Link, John Link and Edwin (Carmelita) Link; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-laws.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the University of Iowa Hospital, Stonehill, and Hospice of Dubuque, for their wonderful and professional care through these last days with Mom. We would also like to express our sincerest gratitude to all of her friends at Windsor Park for all of the companionship and continual support over the years.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com