Earnest Harold Metzenberg was born at Ekalaka, MT on November 20, 1926 to George and Daisy (Wheat) Metzenberg. Ernie was born again, saved by the grace of God, in May 1959. God called him home on July 25, 2015. He attended country schools and Carter County High School. He lived at Ekalaka, on the ranch owned by his father, for 17 1/2 years when he entered the U.S. Army in January, 1945. He served in Okinawa and as a Criminal Investigator in Japan. He got his G.E.D while in the army. His diploma is signed by John W. Bonner, Governor of Montana. After his discharge in August of 1946, he returned to Miles city, where his parents were living.
Ernie worked for Nugent’s Allied Van Lines and for McDonald’s North American Van Lines, where he was known as Smiley, before being recalled to active duty with the Army.
After his discharge in August of 1951, he went to work for the Miles City Police Department for five years before joining the Montana Highway Patrol. Ernie was stationed in Broadus, Baker, Miles City and Glendive while with the Highway Patrol. After 7 years of service, he was promoted to Sergeant of the Miles City area. After 13 years of service, he was promoted to Captain of the eastern 15 counties, stationed in Glendive. He retired in 1984, after having served 27 years on the Highway Patrol.
Ernie was married to Gladys Strom on March 6, 1948. To this union, three daughters and a son were born. After her death, he married Vada Yates Thompson on November 5, 1982. During his retirement, they traveled in their motor home and did volunteer work on churches and church camps throughout Montana for eleven years. He taught Adult Sunday School, was active in First Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and told people he didn’t know about tomorrow but he knew who held his hand.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Cyril Cridland, brothers Robert and Ben; a sister Jewell, and his first wife, Gladys.
Survivors include his loving wife Vada; his daughters Roberta (Hassell) Painter of Billings; Jacquelyn (Denny) Palmer of Sidney; Kellye Metzenberg (Mike Rhodes) of Miles City: son Mike (Diane) Metzenberg of Miles City; step sons Jeff and Tim Thompson of Forsyth; grandchildren Joli (Al) Schroader, Michael (Angie) Metzenberg; Darcy (Brant) Kassner, RaeLeigh Palmer, Jenna Thompson, Nate and Tara Dunning, Morgan (Rory) Haughian and Tyler Rhodes; Great-grandchildren, Emileigh Brandt; Jia Li Schroader; Daniel, Riley and Garrett Metzenberg; Brittany Hirsch; Myhia Metzenberg; Piper and Paityn Kassner; Kale Dunning and Reese Venn. Sisters Donna Mittelsteadt of Laurel and Kay Oehm of Omaha, and stepbrother Clarence Cridland, sister-in-law Peg Metzenberg and his numerous beloved nephews and nieces.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, August 6, 2015 from4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 6, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 6, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday August 7, 2015
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday August 7, 2015
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 6, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 6, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday August 7, 2015
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday August 7, 2015
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Linda (Metzenberg) Wahl says
Sending my love and heartfelt condolences to my counsins and Vada for your loss. I have fond memories of Uncle Ernie, he definitely was a bigger than life man. God bless you all.
Lyla Strom Blazer says
To Vada and cousins, I and sorry to hear about Uncle Ernie passing. I have such fond memories of Sunday dinners together and Uncle Ernie story telling. You will all be in my prayers . Love you.
Bobbi Askin says
Roberta, Mike, Jackie, Kelly and families. I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. What a great wonderful man he was. I will always remember when he would come by Washington Junior High School at lunch time in the winter and pick up Jackie, Terry and I in his patrol car so we didn’t have to walk home in the cold. (was allowed back then). And I remember him walking down to our house when my brother got that fancy Pontiac GT saying he was happy a kid with some sense got that car and he wouldn’t have to worry about being out run in his patrol car. We sure enjoyed having him as a friend and a neighbor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He is remembered with great fondness.
Marilyn Green says
Ernie was a great neighbor growing up. He was always around to help my Mom out with whatever house or car issues might come up. He always knew how to fix things and if he didn’t he knew who to call to get the job done. I am grateful to have had him as part of my life and really enjoyed the nice long porch visit we had just a few weeks ago. I am saddened to hear that he is gone from this world, I know he will be greatly missed.
Tyler Pust says
Vada
My prayers are with you at this.
Del Linda Larsen Frost says
Dear Bobbi and Family, Deeply sorry to hear about your Dad passing. He was a very wonderful man. I loved hanging around him and my Dad as they told stories and they were both full of jokes and pranks. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Jeri and Joe Dalbec says
So sorry to learn of Ernie’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for your families.
John Uden says
I am so sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. In part it was because of Ernie that in began my caririer in law enforcement. He was a truly outstanding officer and set an example for all peace officers to live up to. But most of all he was a good friend that loved his family first and his carrier second – I will truly miss him.
Richard & Wendy says
Vada, You are in our thoughts & prayers. Ernie was a great but humble man that cared for others. I am going to miss his hugs & gentle spirit. Matthew 25:21
We are here for you day or night Galatians 6:2.
With sincere condolences,
Carol Larsen says
May God comfort you as you are in my prayers. Ernie and my Gary Larsen were best
of friends and they had so many stories to tell and enjoyed each other a lot. Carol
Larry and Sandy Oium says
Vada and families,
There are no words to describe how sad and sorry we are. Ernie (Ern) was many things to many people, protector, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Uncle and a great friend. Our days of paddle fishing will be forever remembered. I’m so thankful that I stopped to see the both of you a couple weeks ago. At the table, Ernie hinted that he wasn’t afraid to die, he knew exactly where he was going, and that you, Vada, were the best thing that ever happened to him. Ernie is now in heaven, and a guardian angle for all of you. I know he’ll be deeply missed. Thought and prayers to all of you.
Tom and Nicky kenney says
We were just told of Ernie’s passing. We are so sorry and our thoughts and prayers are for you Vada and your family.
Roy Perry says
It was my honor to be Ernie’s Pastor for four years. He was a special friend to Margaret and me during those years. We shared our law enforcement stories and ministry experience stories with each other. I thank God for Ernie’s friendship, testimony, humor and know he will be missed but we will meet again!!! Vada, Margaret and I love you and our prayers are with you. Although the miles separate us God keeps us close!! 1 Peter 5:7
Tom and Kathy Stieg says
Our sympathy and prayers, Vada. Always loved seeing Ernie. Great laugh. Never forget our chance meeting in Branson.
Pam Palmer says
Sympathy for the loss of Ernie go to Vada, and to Ernie’s kids, especially to Jackie, Denny and RaeLeigh. I know how much he will be missed.
Much love, Pam
Kurt Seward says
Vada, I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa Brandquist and Family says
So sorry for the passing of Uncle Ernie. Our deepest sympathies and our prayers for comfort for your family at this time.
Darrel Mast says
He was a good neighbor and a good man. I am sorry for you loss.
Pinky and Ella Mae Pelletier says
Ernie was just a good guy. We always enjoyed seeing you both when you were in town at St V’s.
Barbara and Alvin Hirsch says
So sorry to hear about Ernie. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Sally Selle says
Vada, Mike, Diane & family
Sorry to hear of your loss. Hoping your many happy memories make the days ahead easier.
Dean Holmes says
Thanks to Ernie, a life well lived. I always had nothing but total respect for Ernie.
Patsy & Harvey Kuntz says
Sorry for your loss, Grandpa’s are a treasure, keep the memories close to your heart. Prayers for your family.
Jeana and Syra Brock says
So very sorry to hear of your loss Darcy and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jamie Metzenberg says
Love and prayers to aunt Vada and family. I’m so glad I got to know uncle Ernie. I’ll always have the fondest memories of he & my grandpa Ben sharing stories of their past with my sister and I. They were two of a kind for sure.
Much love, Jamie
Steve & Laura Barry says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family with Ernie’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Ernie when he ventured West with MHP duties. He had a story or two to share and a great laugh and smile. May the Blessings of the Good Lord be with all of you.
Laura Grzanic says
Ernie and Vada had a big part in Sunday services at the Veterans Home in Glendive. They helped many of the residents make the services and helped with the music. I will always treasure the visits, letters at Christmas, and also their special participation at my fathers memorial service . I know Erinie’s health was declining and now he is at rest. Many prayers for Vada as Ernie was an unforgettable gentleman. Laura Grzanic – Belfield, ND
mandy metzenberg jones & family says
My love, thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this sad time. I have the fondest memories of uncle Ernie, always a big smile followed by an equally big hug! Love and strength to you all.
Mandy
Roy & Arlene Pabolo says
Vada and family, I just heard about Ernie, we are so sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a happy, cheerful guy or at least he was when ever we saw you in Miles City. He was blessed to have such wonderful people around him. May he rest in peace. Please know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts. Love from our family to yours.