Obituary of Ernest Mutchler

Ernest Irving was born to Tracy and Lulu Mutchler on May 4, 1914 on the Mutchler farm east of New Norway on the Aberhart Road. He and his twin sister Jessie were the middle children of six, older siblings Walter and Clara, younger siblings Pearl and Glen. Ernest attended Silver Creek School and then New Norway School until 1934 when he was needed to work full time on the family farm. It was during high school that he and Dorothy began their courtship and were married July 2, 1937 on the Butler family farm. They had two children Patricia May (James) Nelson and James Eldon (Heather). Ernest farmed with his brother Walter and father until he and Dorothy took over the family farm in 1948. Besides working the farm Ernest also worked for the municipality, driving equipment working the roads. Ernest was a charter member of the Odd Fellows Lodge since 1952 and the Rebekah Lodge since 1956 until they closed in Camrose in 1996. He served on many committees with the Lodges, giving selflessly. Ernest was Chaplain of the Grand Lodge and also served as District Deputy President for the Camrose District. Community and Church were always very important to Ernest. He and Dorothy were always involved in both volunteering, teaching Sunday School, serving on the church board, singing in the choirs at New Norway and later Camrose United Church. In 1975 Ernest and Dorothy sold the family farm and retired to Camrose giving them more time to give to the lodges and time to travel and sing with the Golden Tones. For many years after retiring he was the caretaker of the Camrose United Church. Ernest always enjoyed being active and spending time with family and friends. Whether it was watching a game on t.v. or playing cards or camping, fishing, or a round of golf. Ernest was always proud of his family; grandchildren Sharon Nelson (Al Kuicnskas), Brenda Younger (Brent), Lew Mutchler and Trace Mutchler (Lucy Tantano); great-grandchildren, Terence Reed (Diana), Tabatha Reed (Christopher Johnson), James Younger, Jesse Younger, Natalie Zuk and Janiah Mutchler and great great-grandchild Ayden Zuk-McInnes. Ernest was predeceased by Dorothy, his wife of 74 years in October, 2011, his parents, brothers Walter and Glen; and his sister Clara. A funeral service was held on Saturday, January, 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from the Camrose United Church with Rev. Alan Richards officiating. Inurnment followed in the Camrose Cemetery. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the charity of one's choice.