Born on June 16, 1928, in Bernardo, to August and Dora (Witte) Neuendorff, Ernestine grew up working alongside her parents and siblings on the family farm. From sunup to sundown, she learned the value of hard work through toiling in the fields and tending to the animals. These early years nurtured in her both a deep love of the land and an enduring joy in simple, steady labor.

At just 16, her heart was tested when her neighbor and sweetheart, Edbert Henneke, was called away to serve in World War II. Their separation was marked by both hope and heartbreak as he endured captivity as a German prisoner of war. Liberated in April 1945, Edbert finally returned home to her arms shortly after her 17th birthday in July 1945. Ernestine wasted no time; she married him as fast as she could on Aug. 23, 1945.

Together, Ernestine and Edbert built a beautiful, dedicated life, raising six children in Glidden, Texas. As lifelong members of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus, they rooted their marriage and their family in faith. Ernestine embraced her role as a farmer’s wife by loading cattle, chasing bulls, and delighting in every moment of their life together. For nearly 60 years they shared their home until Edbert’s passing in 2005, after which Ernestine moved to Columbus.

Her yard and garden were her pride and joy, providing not only food for her family but also beauty and hospitality for all who visited. She canned fruits and vegetables, gathered eggs from her chickens, and filled her yard with colorful blooms. Her garden, alive with butterflies, squirrels, and hummingbirds, was so admired that she was awarded Yard of the Month in Columbus. She was especially proud of her amaryllis flowers, carefully propagated from seeds.

When not outdoors, Ernestine could be found in her kitchen or at her sewing machine. A talented seamstress, she stitched everything from sports coats to prom dresses for her children and sewed nearly all of her own clothes. She also loved to crochet, creating intricate bedspreads and tablecloths, but most treasured were the six Lord’s Prayer wall hangings she lovingly made for each of her children. Her home was always full of warmth and the smell of fresh baked goods. Her famous poppy seed rolls, pound cake, and fruit pies made sure no one ever left hungry.

Ernestine and Edbert believed strongly in the value of education. Although both were called from school at a young age to help on their family farms, they proudly earned their GEDs together later in life after their children were grown.

In the community, many remember Ernestine from her years working at the front desk at Henneke Funeral Home. She thrived in this role, offering compassion and friendship to all she met. This work was her true calling, and she faithfully served until her retirement at age 85.

Ernestine now joins in heaven her beloved husband, Edbert; her parents, August and Dora Neuendorff; her sons Thomas and Mark; her grandson Wayne Henneke; and her great-granddaughter Katherine Elizabeth Henneke. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Ellis (Beatrice) Neuendorff, Bernice (Leo) Kuhn, Dorothy Wyland, and Rosemary (Alois) Frenzel.

She is survived by her children Charles (Bonnie) Henneke, Robert (Katharine) Henneke, Susan Merriman, and Bruce (Leslie) Henneke, along with daughters-in-law Judi Henneke and Sandra Henneke, and sister Jeanette Rhodes. Her legacy of love continues through 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home, followed by a prayer service and Rosary officiated by Deacon Chuck Glynn at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, visitation will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church at 1 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father James Dvorak and assisted by Deacon John Glueck at 2 p.m. Graveside services will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jason Henneke, Eric Henneke, Chad Henneke, Ryan Henneke, Justin Henneke, Jeremy Fuentes, Kris Hall, and Carter Hewlett.

Ernest i ne’s fami ly would like to recognize and extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Volante Senior Living and Concho Hearts Hospice in Round Rock, Texas for the compassionate care and comfort they provided. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Catholic School, 635 Bonham St., Columbus, TX 78934 or to a charity of your choice. May we honor Ernestine’s memory by living with the same faith, devotion, and love that she so generously shared throughout her 97 years.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.