Ernest Munsterman

Ernest R. Munsterman, 75, passed away Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, at home surrounded by family, from complications of cancer.

Ernest R. Munsterman was born July 6, 1940, at Gifford, to Ernest H. and Dorothy M. (McDowell) Munsterman. He lived on his grandfather's farm until they moved to Lewiston at the start of the fourth grade. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1958.

Ernest joined the Idaho National Guard during his senior year of high school. He had many opportunities while in the service, including attending officer candidate school. He went from the National Guard to active duty at Fort Sill, Okla. After attending a couple of schools, he was sent to Vietnam as a field artillery battery commander, where he received the Bronze Star. He then went back to Fort Sill for more schooling and staff training duties. From Fort Sill, he went to Germany to include more general staff duties and upper level command positions.

Ernest then rejoined the Idaho National Guard and had the opportunity to work in the civil service in the Boise area. He retired from the Army and civil service in 2000. Ernest enjoyed traveling in his retirement.

Ernest was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW National Home for Children, Disabled American Veterans and Vietnam Veterans of America. Ernest was also a supporter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFEA), Alliance Defending Freedom, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Ernest was married and divorced. He was blessed with the birth of a son, Walter E. (Kelly) Munsterman; and four stepchildren from his last marriage, Terri Jo, John D., Janet K. and Linda J. Helvey, all of Oklahoma.

Ernest was preceded in death by grandparents; parents; and brother Walter E.; and two stepchildren.

He is survived by his four sisters, Phyllis Bishop of Lewiston, Claudette (Clifton) Spence of Newman Lake, Wash., Ruby (Denny Joe) Latham of Clarkston and Dorothy R. (Walter) Stolte of Rio Rancho, N.M.; stepdaughters; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren Devin and Hunter Munsterman, and grand-nieces and -nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lewiston, with full military burial to follow at 2 p.m. at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Gifford.

Arrangements have been under the direction of Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home. Please sign the online guest book at www.malcomsfuneralhome.com.