Ernest "Ernie" Walter Koltis, 65, of Washington, Iowa, died Thursday, April 3, 2014 after a long illness.

Celebration of life services will be held 1:00 pm Monday, April 7, 2014, at Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Memorials have been established for the Washington Athletic Boosters and Washington County Hospice. Online condolences may be sent for Ernie's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Ernie was born November 11, 1948, in Stanley, Wisconsin to Walter and Daisy Koltis. He attended school in Thorp, Wisconsin, and graduated from Thorp High School. After high school, Ernie attended technical school in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Following technical school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served several tours in Vietnam. In 1968, he was united in marriage to Lynda Ogden, and they later divorced.

Ernie's great loves included his children, grandchildren, and his great-granddaugther. He also enjoyed his horses, annual deer hunting trips, and his buddies of more than 40 years. He lived the last 20 years in Washington, Iowa, where he was a great fan of Washington High School athletics. He also served on the Washington County Community Mental Health Board for many years. Ernest will be remembered for his stories and jokes.

He is survived by his father, Walter Koltis of Thorp, Wisconsin; brother, Gordon (Marit) Koltis of Raleigh, North Carolina; sister, Susan Elliott of Indianapolis, Indiana; children Renee Foster (Jon) of Centerville, Iowa; Heather McClurg (Jeffery) of Centerville, Iowa; and Lucas Koltis of North Liberty, Iowa; grandchildren Ashley Prunchak of Denver, CO; Michael Prunchak (Jaydon) of Davenport, Iowa; Jamey Foster of Kearney, Nebraska; and Quinn and Chase McClurg of Centerville, Iowa; and great-granddaughter Gia Prunchak.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Daisy and his brother, Leonard.