Ernest "Ernie" Grasmick

April 1, 1918 - June 23, 2011

Earnest Grasmick, 93, passed away June 23, 2011, at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center Nursing Care Center, La Junta, Colorado. Earnest was born in Rocky Ford, Colorado, on April 1, 1918. He married Opal D. Pearce in 1946, and she preceded him in death in 2005 after nearly 59 years of marriage. He was blessed by a very large extended family, church family, special caregiver, wonderful friends and special neighbors. Earnest enjoyed reminiscing about his years in the United States Army and all of the changes he saw take place in the Arkansas Valley over his lifetime. Earnest enjoyed following the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies and especially enjoyed hearing about all of the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Earnest took great pride in his work which included many years of farming, operating Ernie's Stand and employment at American Crystal Sugar Factory, Bish Lumber, Lusk Produce, Rocky Ford Co-Op, and Proctor Farms. During the last several years of his life, he continued to produce wonderful fruits and vegetables from his garden. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene, La Junta, Colorado, and he was confirmed at the Immanuel Congregational Church in Rocky Ford in 1934. Thank you to the staff of Pioneer Home Health Care, Arkansas Valley Hospice, Crowley County Nursing Center, Nursing Care Center at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center, La Junta First Church of the Nazarene and to the wonderful neighbors and relatives that were so generous in their time and care. Special recognition to Judy Padilla who was an incredible support on a daily basis. Earnest is survived by his children and their spouses Barbara (Karl) Matz, Kathleen Grasmick, Nancy Madonna, Howard (Mindy) Grasmick . Grandchildren Tammy (Jay) Daughtry , Michelle (Todd) Huddle, Jennifer (Mike)Vermeulen , Aaron (Abby)Madonna , Alex (Rachael) Madonna , Emily (Adam) Meek, Jefferson Grasmick and Christian Grasmick. Great- grandchildren Angelia Bennett, Jacob, Andrew and Caden Vermeulen, Jackson Madonna, Reed Palmer, William Madonna, Katelyn and Alex Huddle, Jaron, Amanda and Jenna Daughtry. Surviving brother-in-law and sister-in law Vernon Shetler and LaVaun Ulery along with special nieces, nephews, kind neighbors and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Ludwig and Katie (Bauer) Grasmick, Gottlieb (Lydia) Grasmick, Louie Grasmick, Pete (Elizabeth Miller) Grasmick , Pauline (Bob) Koster, Louise (Henry) Arnpriester, Paul (Catherine) Grasmick and Mollie Watkins. Opal's parents and siblings Williard and Kate Pearce, Carl (Billye Jo) Pearce, Ila Shetler, Estelle (Layton) Wilson and Leonard Ulery. Visitation at Ford Ustick Funeral Home will be Tuesday, June 28 from 4-7 p.m. Services to be held Wednesday, June 29 at 10 a.m. at First Church of the Nazarene in La Junta with Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery, Rocky Ford immediately following services. Ford Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Earnest's name to First Church of the Nazarene, 1111 W. 10th Street, La Junta CO 81050.