Rosemary Jane (Banner) Ernst

Rosemary Jane Ernst, 79, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away with family by her side, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She was born on November 4, 1946, the daughter of John and Mary (Allen) Banner. Rosemary was a 1964 graduate of Iowa Falls High School.

On September 18, 1965, Rosie was united in marriage to Gerald “Jerry” Ernst in Iowa Falls. Seven children were born to this union. Rosie was dedicated to her family and spent her time caring for them and their home on the farm.

Rosie enjoyed reading, staying busy with various activities and spending time with friends. Early in life, she enjoyed being a part of Marriage Encounter with her husband and was on the Edgewood rope pulling team. As time passed, she enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, and bowling with close friends. Golfing, playing cards and crocheting afghans for her kids and grandkids became her most recent hobbies. Rosie loved her family and cherished spending time with them doing the things she enjoyed.

Survivors include  her husband of 60 years, Jerry Ernst of Edgewood; six children, Doug (Kerry) Ernst of Edgewood, Chad (Joni) Ernst of Garber, Joel Ernst of Edgewood, Dustin Ernst (Jodi Burgin) of Edgewood, Jennifer (Jody) Reinier of Kalona, and Amy (Micah) Wilkes of Minneapolis;17 grandchildren, Ashley, Morgan, Zackary, Austin, Morgan, Baylee, Nick, Staci, Jordan, Lexi, Ben, Carter, Kayden, Kylie, Fletcher, Hazel and Alivia; 12 great-grandchildren and three on the way; a sister, Sandy Banner Bush of Winder, Georgia; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Carolyn Ernst of Marion; and several nieces and nephews.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her infant son, Marshal; her parents, John and Mary Banner; parents-in-law, Edwin and Marguerite Ernst; brother, David Banner; and aunt, Dorothy Staub.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosemary Jane (Banner) Ernst, please visit our floral store.