Lawrence Elvin Ernesti, son of Carl and Gertrude (Beck) Ernesti, was born May 6, 1928 on the family farm southwest of Clearwater, Nebraska. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church in rural Clearwater, attended grade school at Pleasantdale District School in rural Clearwater, and graduated from Ewing High School.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. On September 23, 1955 Lawrence was united in marriage to Beverley Jane Wagner at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Omaha, NE. The couple lived on or near many bases in California, Alaska, Montana, Colorado, Illinois, and other places. Lawrence was also stationed in Japan and Greenland before retiring in 1971, from a 21-year career in communications with the USAF. After retiring, the couple returned to Nebraska to farm with Lawrence’s father in Antelope and Holt counties.

Lawrence was a member of the O’Neill Eagles Club. He enjoyed farming, fishing, and working on his equipment.

He is survived by 5 children: Karen McDonald and husband Gary of Yankton, SD;Lorie Musil and special friend Steve Moncreiff of Gulf Breeze, FL; Lawrence Ernesti, Jr. and wife Venessa of Clearwater, NE; Theresa Foster and husband Rudy of Cheyenne, WY; Carl Joseph Ernesti and special friend Joy Beck of Norfolk; 15 grandchildren: Lynn Dusatko; Jennifer, Adam Candice, and Shawn Musil; Jesse Upchurch; Nicole, Rachel, and Cody Ernesti; Lyndsey Kohl and Michelle Foster; Calvin and Christopher Ronk; Britney Ann and Michael Joseph Ernesti; 8 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters: Patricia Clemens and Marguarite Papstein both of Norfolk; Vanita Kander of Clarkson; Madonna Day of Neligh; 2 brothers: Roger Ernesti of Norfolk; Carl Ernesti Jr. of Neligh.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Beverley in 1995.