Ernest E. Graves, Sr.

Ernest E. Graves, Sr., 78, of South Sioux City, NE passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at his home while surrounded by his family.A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at the Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Visitation with the family present will be from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home.Ernest was born on November 24, 1937 in Akron, IA, the son of Herbert and Esther (Stevens) Graves. He grew up in Iowa. Ernest married Janet Weber on December 23, 1968 in Sergeant Bluff, IA. The couple settled in Sioux City before moving to South Sioux City in 1977. Together they raised three children. Ernest farmed on his uncle's farm near Newcastle, NE and worked in boiler maintenance for Darling International for 19 years.He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, sitting in his yard, watching Husker football, laughing and playing pranks.Survivors include his wife, Janet Graves; children, Carol Graves, Pamela Graves, Ernest Graves, Jr. "Buddy", Heidi (Scott) Kolleck and Nelson (Rita) Wilson; grandchildren, Marisa Graves and her fianc, Tanner Knop, Colby, Kayden and Jerad Graves, Will, Xander and Noah Kolleck, and Trey and DJ Wilson; siblings, Don (Nancy) Graves, Tom (Vicki) Graves and Linda Graves; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Esther Graves; siblings, Raymond, Freeman, Robert, Sr., and Jerry Graves and Iona Timm; and a granddaughter, Mackenzie Kolleck.The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Siouxland and Ernest's nurse, Wendy Olson.