Ernest A. 'Ernie' Unruh
Ernest A. 'Ernie' Unruh, 88,
passed away Dec. 20, 2008, at Newton Medical Center surrounded by his loving
wife and children after a brief illness resulting from a diagnosis of
pancreatic cancer. He was born on April 28, 1920, to Henry F. and Susie
(Hiebert) Unruh and was a lifelong resident of Newton. Ernie was a lifelong
member of Bethel College Mennonite Church from his baptism in 1936 until his
death. He assisted with the construction of the church in the early 1950s by
hauling the limestone rock used for the exterior walls. He especially enjoyed
regularly attending church with his sisters in recent years, recalling their
Mennonite heritage and being warmed by the memories of their church-affiliated
life experiences, especially through traditional song and verse.
Following graduation from
Newton High School in 1938, Ernie attended Kansas State University before
returning home to attend Bethel College so he could help support his father's
business. Ernie entered the military to serve his country in November 1942. He
initially enlisted with the U.S. Navy, but his service affiliation changed
during World War II, and he was primarily with the U.S. Army Air Corps, now the
U.S. Air Force.
During and after military
service, he realized his boyhood dream of flying airplanes and enjoyed teaching
others to fly at every opportunity possible. Following his active duty during
the war, he was released from the military on Dec. 1, 1945. He continued flying
military aircraft through involvement with the U.S. Air Force Reserves at McConnell
Air Force Base through 1956.
Ernie realized a dream held
for many years when he married Dorothy Irene Dudte of rural Newton on Nov. 9,
1946. Their lifelong marriage extended for 62 joyous years and included raising
their three children. In addition to being a devoted husband and loving father,
he provided fatherly guidance based on his life experiences to his seven
grandchildren during one-on-one time with them. He especially enjoyed the
frequent company, watching the daily growth, and attending the school, church
and community activities of Josef and Aneka.
Ernie enjoyed participating
in community events and serving his community, being driven throughout his life
by these opportunities. He did this through business involvement, politics and
memberships in local organizations. In this manner, he touched many lives.
Sporting activities held a
special place in Ernie's life. He was privileged to be associated with Coach
Frank Lindley's 1936 and 1937 Newton High School state championship basketball
teams and participated in the 1938 state tournament, regrettably losing in the
semifinals. High school involvement in football and basketball carried over
into two years of football and basketball at Bethel College and many years of
recreational basketball.
He also enjoyed coaching
various youth teams and sponsoring adult basketball, baseball, and softball
teams. Following the Newton Railroaders, at home and on the road, was always
very exciting.
Ernie was a local businessman
in Newton, having taken over his father's service station and grain business in
1949. These businesses eventually grew to include retail gas and auto service
stations, bulk fuel hauling, bulk gas distribution, a feed mill and grain
elevator, bulk propane distribution, a commodity grain storage facility, and an
equipment rental business. He operated the U-Haul truck rental business from a
location within a block of where he grew up as a young boy, until early
December 2008.
In 1952, Ernie was elected to
the Kansas House of Representatives, and he served the Newton and Harvey County
areas in that capacity for 20 years, from 1953 through 1972. For a number of
those years, this most significantly included the influential assignments of
vice chairman of both the Federal and State Affairs and the Ways and Means
committees. In providing a voice for his constituents, some of the more visible
accomplishments included working with a group that facilitated the Kansas Board
of Regents affiliation of Wichita State University and also establishing the
renewal of driver's licenses on the individual's birth date rather than on a
random date. His intent in public service was to do what he felt was right and
not what may have been more expedient for his political career.
Following his years in the
Legislature, he was selected to serve on the Kansas Governmental Ethics
Commission, which has oversight of government officials and employees.
Local memberships included
the Lions Club for more than 55 years, of which he was a past president, Elks
Club, American Legion and Masonic organizations. These included Newton Masonic
Lodge, Wichita Scottish Rite, Harvey County Shrine Club and the Midian Shrine.
He was a board member of the Newton Recreation Commission during the planning
and construction of the present facility, and at his death, was a board member
of the Newton High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He also served on local water
conservation boards and committees, focusing on maintaining the water rights of
those in the area.
He leaves his wife of 62
years, Dorothy, of the home. Also surviving are his three children, son Rodney
(Sherry) of Overland Park, and daughters Teresa (Vance) Arthur of Overland
Park, and LaDonna (Eugene) Voth of Newton; seven grandchildren, Richard Unruh
and Kenneth (Katy) Unruh of Nashville, Tenn., Chad Arthur, Alan Arthur and
Melanie Arthur of Overland Park, and E. Josef Voth and Aneka Voth of Newton;
and three sisters, Sue Pack of Modesto, Calif., and Viola Unruh and Mary Ann
Gertsen of Newton.
He was preceded in death by
his parents and two sisters, Ruth Willard and Selma Fent.
Private family services and
internment were conducted at the Bethel College Mennonite Church Columbarium on
Dec. 26, 2008.
The family wishes to thank
their many loving friends for the overwhelming support that has been received
throughout this trying experience. The family also greatly appreciates the
attention and care provided by Dr. Robert Roeser, the caregivers at Newton
Medical Center and those from Good Shepherd Hospice of Wichita.
A memorial service
celebrating the life of Ernie Unruh will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bethel
College Mennonite Church in North Newton.
Memorial contributions are
suggested to the Newton High School Athletic Hall of Fame, in care of Roger
Erickson at Newton High School, 900 W. 12th St., Newton, KS 67114.
Contributions also may be made to Bethel College Mennonite Church.
