Ernest Spanhake, 88, of Leigh, died Sunday, May 26, 2019.
Private Funeral Services will be held.
Ernest was born September 28, 1930, in Clarkson, Nebraska to Ernest and Blanche(Malena) Mlnarik. He graduated from Leigh High School and went to work for Leigh Implement. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, spending time in French Morocco and several bases in the States. On June 5, 1955, he married Bonnie Jelinek in Winter Park, Florida. Upon completion of his service to the country, he again worked for Leigh Implement until 1973 when he and Bonnie took ownership under the name Spanhake Implement, selling and servicing International Harvester farm equipment. Ernest enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling and family vacations at their cabin in Minnesota. He served on the Fair Board, Community Club, Village Board and was a member of the Leigh Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Unit. He was also a 60 year member of both the Masonic Lodge and Sucha American Legion Post #302.
Ernest is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Leigh, daughters; Susan Spanhake of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Sally (Mike) Hillis of Lincoln, son John Spanhake of Edina, Minnesota, grandchildren; Jason Zessin, Mary(Eric) Noel, Charles Hillis, Matthew Spanhake and one sister and brother-in-law, Regina and Robert Barnes, of Apex, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Mlnarik, Blanche and his step-father Gustave Spanhake and one sister, Delores Spanhake.