Ernest "Ernie" John Thole

Ernest John “Ernie” Thole, 87, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester, Iowa.  He was born on November 13, 1935 on the family farm in Petersburg, the son of Joseph and Anna (Millenkamp) Thole, Sr. Ernie was raised in the Petersburg area and attended St. Mary Catholic School in Manchester. After his education he started farming with his dad.

On September 17, 1955, Ernie was united in marriage to Marjorie Moorman, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greeley. Ernie and Marjorie started farming north of Manchester and raised two children, Mark and Teri. He was a hard-working farmer, who enjoyed farming so much he was still planting corn last year.

Ernie was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church and was very strong in his faith. He enjoyed all kinds of hunting, four-wheeling, walking, farming, and attending his grandchildren’s events.  Ernie especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include Ernie’s wife of 67 years, Marjorie Thole of Manchester, his children, Mark (Pati) Thole of Manchester and Teri (Jim) Trumblee of Strawberry Point; four grandchildren, Mitch (Jacque) Thole, Mike (Amy) Thole, Lori (fiancé, Matt Dengler) Trumblee, and David (Taylor) Trumblee; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Amelia Thole, O.F.S. of Dubuque; and several nieces and nephews.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Clarence, Ray, Larry and Joe Thole; and three sisters, Rita Mae Thole, Julie Eike and Anna Mae Donlon.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest "Ernie" John Thole, please visit our floral store.