Ernest “Ernie” R. Haist passed away at his home in Concordia, Kansas, on January 8, 2022, in the company of his family.
Ernie began life in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on January 25, 1947, born to parents Henry Conro and Lenna “Maxine” (Angelo) Haist. He and his family lived in Enid, Oklahoma, until the age of seven, at which time they moved to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for his father's work. Ernie lived in Hawaii for six years where he was on the Little League Baseball team and participated in competitive swimming and diving. Ernie’s high school years were spent in New Mexico where he owned a horse and was involved in rodeo, earning (at a minimum) a third-place finish in the Mountain Mustang Ass 'n' Horse Show. When Ernie’s parents moved to Miltonvale, Kan., he stayed behind in New Mexico and lived with the family where his rodeo horse was boarded. In 1963 Ernie moved to Miltonvale to rejoin his parents and sister and then enlisted in the United States Army.
Ernie spent four years in the Army or as he liked to tell it, 3 years, 11 months and 10 days. Ernie’s time in the Army involved deployment in Germany, a country and culture which he spoke fondly of. Upon completing his military service, Ernie again returned home to Kansas where he married Linda A. Shuler on April 8, 1972, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Concordia, Kansas. Ernie worked for and retired from Alstom Power with over 40 years of service.
While Ernie was a quiet person who leaned more towards listening and thought than he did speaking, it was clear he enjoyed the company of and time spent with his friends and family, whether it be at coffee or the American Legion or just gatherings around the holidays. Ernie spent his retirement years with hobbies and interests such as target shooting, hunting, fishing, knives, being a quality boot enthusiast, motorcycles, working with leather and following sports. He spent a lot of time researching & shopping and on occasion making a purchase on a good deal involving those areas of interest he had.
Ernie is survived by his two daughters, Tina Haist-Deckard (James) Concordia, Kan., Erin Nylund (Scott) San Antonio, Texas; one sister, Sharol Hoffman (Lloyd), Fla.; five grandchildren, Steffen Shearer (Taylor), Brooks Shearer, Lauren Nylund, Emma Nylund, Ben Nylund; two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Elizabeth Shearer. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Nutter Mortuary from 1:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Memorial Service will be Friday, January 14, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Nutter Mortuary with Pastor Dwight Whitead officiating.
Military Graveside Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #76.
Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clyde, Kan.
Memorials may be made for the family’s choice. (Family choice to be designated at a later date.)
For online condolences, please visit nuttermortuary.com.
