Ernest Lee “Ernie” De Jong was born November 30, 1929, to Cornelis and Goverdena (Klyn) De Jong in Monroe, Iowa.

Ernie was a graduate of Sully High School and attended Central College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, attained the rank of CPL and was honorably discharged in 1953. Upon release, he transferred to Army Reserves for 8 years.

On September 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Petersen, in the Methodist Church in Panora, Iowa. To this union they were blessed with five children: Deborah, Teresa, Mike, Tom, and Scott.

Ernie worked as a “feed grinder” for Renaud’s Farm Service and later as a gardener for Vermeer Manufacturing. Some of his interests were football, gardening, Bible Study, Prison Ministry and sponsoring Vietnamese children.

Those left to cherish his memory: Deborah De Jong, Teresa and Darwin Van Wyk, Mike and Melody De Jong, Tom and Sherri De Jong, and Scott and Lisa De Jong; grandchildren: Brock and Elissa Maxwell, Bradley and Jessica Van Wyk, Korey and Jennifer Van Wyk, Krystal and Jordan Gowing, Kyle and Alli Van Wyk, Kristin and Jimmy Richtsmeier, Michael and Kristin De Jong, Ryan De Jong, Lindsey De Jong, Tyler and Michelle De Jong, and Collin De Jong; and great grandchildren: Silas Gowing, Mara Gowing, Ezra Gowing, Elliana Van Wyk, Cambria Van Wyk, Eleanor Van Wyk, Zoey De Jong, Evi De Jong, Charley De Jong, Preston De Jong, Avery De Jong, and Lennon De Jong.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne and his parents Cornelis and Goverdena De Jong.

A special thanks to the staff at The Cottages and the Wesley Life Hospice team for all of their love and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to New Life Prison Ministry.