Ernest J Gauthier

Hastings resident Ernest J. Gauthier, 86, passed away Monday, May 9, 2011 at his home. Rosary will be Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 7:30 PM at the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home, Hastings, NE. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, May 13, 2011 at 10:30 AM at the St. Michaels Catholic Church, Hastings, NE with Father Michael Houlihan officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, NE with military rites. Visitation will be Thursday, May 12, 2011 from 9 AM up till rosary time at the chapel and one hour prior to service time at the church. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com. Ernest was born June 20, 1924 to Lucien and Petroneline (Grant) Gauthier in Willow City, ND. He was raised in Belcourt, ND. He served in the United States Marines during WWII from May 23, 1943 to February 11, 1947. He served in the Pacific Theater and fought in Iwo Jima in the Fourth Division. He married Mary Helen Crowley on April 8, 1948; she passed away November 21, 1985. He had lived in Hastings since 1947. He worked at J.M. McDonalds Clothing Store and Hofeldts both in Hastings, NE. He painted during his early years and was self employed as a painter for many years until recently. He was a member of the St. Michaels Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, both in Hastings, NE. He is survived by two sons, John and wife Teresa of Kearney, NE, and Dan of McCool Junction, NE, one daughter, Suzanne of Grand Island, NE, four grandchildren, Mitchell Ebner and wife Megan of Holdrege, NE, Natalie Christoffersen and husband Jason of Kearney, NE, Gabriel Gauthier and Phoebe Gauthier of Kearney, NE, two great grandchildren, Jaxon Ebner of Holdrege, NE and Julian Christoffersen of Kearney, NE, three brothers, Francis and wife Shari of Grand Island, NE, Leo of Lincoln, NE and Armand of Grand Island, NE, one sister Theresa Olson of Rochester, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Helen, two sisters, Rosemary and Dorothy and two brothers, Gerald and Marlin. A memorial will be established.