Ernie Sayler Obituary (1946 - 2015)

Karen Bedell '64 said:

Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Ernie Sayler, age 69, of Bedford who passed away at his home on Saturday, December 12, 2015 will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Ernie requested casual dress for his service! Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment with military rites will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be given in Ernie's name. Memories may… be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Ernest Issac Sayler, Jr., (also known as ‘Uncle Ern’ ‘Big Otis’ ‘Cub’ ‘The Jersey Bull’)
was born August 25, 1946, in rural Taylor County, Iowa the son of Ernest Walter Sayler and Carolyn Edith (Souder) Sayler. He grew up attending rural country schools, then attending through 8th grade in Conway, and graduating with the Class of 1964 from Bedford High School. After graduation, Ernie worked for the Plymouth Chrysler Dealership in Bedford. Ernie was active in the Army and Air Force National Guard from November of 1967 until his honorable discharge 6 years later as a Sergeant in November of 1971. During this time, he was united in marriage to Gayle Evans. In 1971, they were blessed with the birth of John E. Sayler. Ernie started working for Hensley Trucking and found this was his passion, driving the roads behind the wheel of a semi. If there was ever a call for a semi driver, Ernie was determined to be the first to offer his services. While driving for the Kernen Elevator, he met his 'one true love', Paula A. Volner, the couple were united in marriage and three children were born to bless their lives, Ernest Kyle, Kylee Ann and Jaylyn Louisa. He later went to work for Dalton Cattle, where he enjoyed taking his children with him while working in the tractor. In 1994, he began working for the City of Bedford, a position he held for over 20 years. After his retirement in 2014, he continued to enjoy farming, driving semi's and mowing yards for all of his customers.
Ernie was an honest, hardworking man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He was a big hearted man who would go to the ends of the earth to help friends or family. He often reached out to those around him, letting them know he could be there in a minute, to help solve any problem. As friends would say and know, "Ernie worked hard and played hard." He was a good friend to many, thoughtful, trustworthy and loyal. He looked forward to his trips to Claycenter, Nebraska every September with all of his buddies. Ernie always told his kids they had a few beers and visited, but his kids knew when the gang was together 'a few beers' wasn't such a thing, and they knew how much Ernie looked forward to that time away. However, he was always happy to return to Bedford so he could make his rounds. Ernie was a 'straight talker' and always had a good story to tell. When his kids were younger, they recall many country drives listening to those good stories and getting 'life lessons,’ that they will cherish always. If there was ever a question about history or whatever was going on in this great community, Ernie was the man to call! He was a devoted father, but nothing made him happier than when he became a grandfather. His face lit up every time the grand kids walked through the door. He would spend hours at the park with them or watching cartoons with at least 2 or 3 of them on his lap in "Grandpa's Big Chair", as the grandkids would say. And they knew Grandpa Ernie always had the best snacks waiting for them, ice cream and cookies, and according to Grandpa . . . 2 or 3 cookies were never enough! Ernie was a 'family man' who took pride in what he had accomplished and is a true example of a 'life well lived'. He never wanted much, but always made sure friends and family had the world.
Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend are his children, John E. Sayler and wife Shirley of Lawrence, Kansas; Kyle Sayler of Bedford, Iowa; Kylee A. Peterman and husband Matt of Bedford, Iowa; and Jaylyn L. Sayler and fiancée Josh Morgan of Clarinda, Iowa; two sisters, Joann Pierce and husband John of Clarinda, Iowa; and Mary Lou Weaver and husband Gary of Apache Junction, Arizona; a brother, Hal Dean Sayler and wife Carol of Bedford, Iowa; five beloved grandchildren, Kloey Peterman, Janessa Woolsey, Josie Morgan, Aubrie Sayler and Jarrett Morgan; along with many other relatives and friends.
Preceding Ernie in death are his parents, Ernest and Carolyn Sayler and a granddaughter, Addison Peterman.
Ernie possessed an endearing sly smirk and kind heart that will be missed in our community!