Gary D Ernst

Ayr resident Gary D. Ernst, 66, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Mary Lanning Health Care, Hastings NE.

Rosary will be Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at Butler Volland Chapel with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Butler Volland Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Hastings with Fr. Craig Clinch officiating. Luncheon will follow the funeral at the Eagles Club in Hastings. Burial will follow after luncheon at Clay Center Cemetery, Clay Center, NE. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Gary’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page. 

Gary was born June 5, 1959, in Lincoln, NE, to Larry and Jean (Petitt) Ernst. He graduated from St. Cecilia High School. On February 27, 1993 he married Michelle “Shelly” Temme in Hastings, NE. Gary was the owner/operator of Gary’s Refrigeration, Heating & A/C.

Gary attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Hastings and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Blue Hill. He was a member of the Eagles Club in Hastings, and a former member of Ducks Unlimited and Knights of Columbus. Gary was a man known for his devotion to friends and family. Through his business, Gary built lasting relationships and earned the respect of those who knew him for his hard work and big personality. Outside of work, he cherished time spent with the people he loved, including going to the lake and being on the golf course. Gary will be remembered for his dedication, kindness, and the many lives he touched.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Larry Ernst, his mother-in-law Janet Buerer, and Father-in-law Dennis Buerer, nieces Sally Ernst and Nicole Ernst.

SURVIVORS:
Wife:
    Michelle “Shelly” Ernst – Ayr, NE
Children & Spouses & family:
    Tarah & Ben Greenfield – Roca, NE (Addison & Evan)
    Bradley Ernst – Ogallala, NE
    (Jaedin & Gage) & great-granddaughter, Wesley
    Kaitlyn Ernst – Lincoln, NE
    Trevor Ernst – Hastings, NE
Mother:
    Jean Ernst - Hastings, NE
Siblings & Spouses:
     Ron & Janet Ernst – Ripon, WI 
    Greg & Darla Ernst – Lincoln, NE
     Larry Ernst – Hastings, NE
     Kathy & Keith Napier – Kearney, NE
Numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends.