Robert Joseph “Bob” Ernzen, 68, of Dubuque, passed away Friday, November 9, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 14, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Fr. Thomas McDermott will officiate. Burial will be in St. Clement’s Cemetery, Bankston. Friends may greet the family from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 13, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque.

Bob was born September 6, 1950 in Dubuque, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Burrows) Ernzen. He grew up on the family farm in Bankston, and moved to Dubuque in 1965. In 1989, Bob moved in with his sister Sandy, her husband Ray, and their family, Greg, Colleen, Karla, Curt, Sara, and Brad.

He took great pride in his work at both St. Francis and Stonehill Care Center, where he worked for 39 years until his retirement. He very much enjoyed his coworkers and the residents.

Bob spent many weekends at the farm helping his brothers with chores. He loved playing cards, fixing puzzles, painting, word books, country music, Elvis, and going to the casino. Family was deeply important to Bob, and he loved family get togethers. Bob loved all nature.

Bob is survived by his siblings, Sandy (Ray) Ronek, Sharon (Rick) Haskell, Denny Ernzen, Chuck (Trish) Ernzen, Marvin (LuAnn) Ernzen, Joanne (Jerry) Wolf, and Al (Kathy) Ernzen; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and several nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Robert Joseph Ernzen Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at University of Iowa Hospital and Mercy Medical Center; and the staff at Mercy Home Care for their wonderful and loving care of Bob.

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