Ernest Frank Dostalik, Jr.

Ernest (Ernie) Frank Dostalik Jr, 65, of Walnut, IL passed away December 12 at Serenity Hospice and Home surrounded by his wife and children after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Ernie was born on November 3, 1960, to Ernest and Evelyn Dostalik Sr in Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating from Western Beaver High School, he attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. While there, he met the love of his life, Rebecca (Becky) Gilbert, while square dancing. Ernie and Becky were united in marriage on May 18, 1984, the day before graduation.   

They returned to Ohioville, PA to start their life together. There Ernie established/managed a landscaping company and maintained the family orchard. He was also a member of the Ohioville Volunteer Fire Department for 47 years. During Ernie’s final years of employment, he stayed busy helping customers at the AutoZone in Calcutta, OH.

Ernie loved working with his hands. For many years he maintained a large garden and could often be found working on a project around the house and farm. He also enjoyed tending to his beautiful roses, many bred by his favorite college professor, Griffith Buck. In addition, Ernie was known as the best pie baker in the family (especially apple), making his delectable pies for many family gatherings.

He and Becky enjoyed cheering for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, as well as the Iowa State Cyclones. They also loved exploring antique shops and restoring the old farm home they lived in for 38 years. Some of their greatest joys together were raising their two children, Ruth and Ben.

When Ernie’s Alzheimer’s disease worsened, he and Becky moved to Walnut, IL to be closer to their daughter, Ruth, and family. He cherished this time spent playing with grandkids, helping Ruth in the garden and hanging out with family.

Ernie never met a stranger.  Wherever he went, he always managed to strike up a conversation with someone, whether he knew them or not. His smile, firm handshake and laugh were unforgettable. We encourage anyone who knew Ernie to go out and do the same in his memory.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 41 years, Rebecca (Gilbert); children Ruth (Isaac) Vohland and Ben Dostalik; grandchildren Livia Vohland, Audra Vohland and Jacob Vohland; parents Ernest Dostalik Sr and Evelyn (Hornick) Dostalik; siblings Theresa Dostalik and Marty (Kari) Dostalik; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, December 23 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Garland Funeral Home in Walnut, IL.  A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Chantha Chhim of Bunker Hill Church officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed toward the Ohioville Volunteer Fire Department, 108 Salem Church Road, Midland, PA 15059.

Online condolences may be sent to www.garlandfuneralhomes.com

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