Ernest E. Porzelius, 94, passed away October 13, 2023, at 2:15 p.m., at Willow Ridge - Betty House.
Ernest was born February 1, 1929 in Secor, IL, to Walter and Catherine (Boeringa) Porzelius who preceded him in death. He married Violet Schwartz in 1957. They had 51 loving years together. Vi preceded him in death in 2008.
Also preceding him in death is his son, Jim Porzelius (August of 2023), his brother, Fred, and his sisters Mary and Dorothy.
Survivors include three daughters, Kathy Sawatzky of Little River, KS, Joan LoBianco of Bluffton, and Kris (Matt) DeVoe of Schoolcraft, MI; nine grandchildren, Melissa Sawatzky Hodgson, Tracy Sawatzky White, Nicole LoBianco Agner, Lauren LoBianco Brenneman, Tessa Porzelius, Kyler Porzelius, Leah DeVoe Westra, Sadie DeVoe, & Davis DeVoe; and twelve great-grandchildren.
Ernie went to seminary in Chicago, IL, and met Vi when he was attending a conference near her home. That began a courtship through letter writing, which led to their marriage on August 10, 1957.
Ernie and Vi moved to Fortuna, Missouri where Ernie pastored his first church. Their first three children, Kathy, Jim, and Joan were born there. Their next move was to Donnellson, Iowa where Ernie became pastor at Zion Mennonite Church. Daughter Kris was born there and completed their family. Ernie's next pastorate was in McPherson, Kansas at the First Mennonite Church. While serving there, Ernie enrolled in a a Clinical Pastoral Education course at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. The next move brought Ernie and Vi to Bluffton where Ernie worked as the first chaplain at Mennonite Memorial Home and also served as the assistant administrator. Ernie worked at Mennonite Memorial Home until 1995 when he retired. In his retirement, Ernie enjoyed doing volunteer work at the Et Cetera Shop and the Bluffton Hospital. He was also an active member of the Lion's Club for 20 years. Ernie always enjoyed reading books, listening to music, doing puzzles, going for walks and visiting with people. Ernie had a strong faith which he demonstrated in the way he lived his daily life.
Ernie will be greatly missed, but his influence on all of us will endure. He was our father, grandfather and great-grandfather and we love him deeply.
The family of Ernie Porzelius would like to thank the staff at Willow Ridge for the excellent care they provided during the past two and a half years. They are so appreciated.
Services will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church with Pastors Rich Bucher and Phil Yoder to officiate the service. A private burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, October 19, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Memorial Home.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/
