Frederick Allen Ernst

Frederick Allen Ernst, 89, of Geneseo, IL passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel at 10 A.M. Pastor Terry Lancaster will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemtery in Geneseo. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel from 4 P.M. – 7 P.M. in lieu of flowers, memorials may be direcetd to the Allen Ernst Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Allen Ernst was born on June 19, 1936, in Geneseo, IL, the son of Frederick and Gwendolyn (Allen) Ernst. He graduated from Geneseo High School in 1954. Allen married Patricia Smith on June 24, 1956. She precedes him in death. Allen spent most of his life farming. He worked at Hulting Hybrids, Ferry Morse and sold AgVenture seeds for many years. Allen was passionate about crops, cattle, sheep and hogs. He raised cattle until he was 80 and sheep until he was 89. Allen was a 4H leader and was on the Henry County FSA committee. In his spare time, you could find Allen tinkering and working on all his machinery. Allen was always the first to open McDonalds in Geneseo to get his cup of coffee and enjoy with his friends. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his chidlren, David (Betty) Ernst of Geneseo, Diana Ernst (Tom Van Winkle) of Geneseo, Debra Happel (Jeff Valley) of Postville, IA and Duane Ernst of Geneseo; grandchildren, Erica (Nathan) Stralow, Megan (Shane) VerStraete, Shawn (Kristen) Kepner, Stacy (Travis) Campbell; great grandchildren, Cora, Seth, Noah, Luke, Will, Drake, Kennady, Karleigh, Charleigh and Lorenzo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Gwendolyn; wife, Patricia; grandson, Seth Ernst; sister, Aleta Dean; and brother-in-law Curt Kepping.