Leonard John Ernstes, 74, passed away at 3:40 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Four Corners. Rev. Jerry Byrd will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, with the Rosary Service being conducted at 3:30 p.m. at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service.

Born on July 30, 1946, in Seymour, Leonard was the son of Cecil and Dorothy (Higinson) Ernstes. He was united in marriage to Victoria Eder on October 1, 1966. She survives.

Leonard owned Ernstes Construction until he retired in 2012. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He enjoyed farming.

In addition to his wife, Victoria Ernstes of North Vernon, survivors include daughters, Rose – Marie (Robert) Howell of North Vernon, Angela Marie (Robert) Perry of North Vernon, Carolyn Marie (Siraj) Siddiqui of Indianapolis, Elizabeth Marie (Jacob) Harriman of North Vernon, and Catherine Marie (Casey) Clark of North Vernon; sons, John Leonard (Tracy) Ernstes of North Vernon, Benjamin Louis (Kelly) Ernstes of North Vernon, and Robert Lee Ernstes of North Vernon, Daniel Lawrence (Tawnia) Ernstes, and Samuel Logan (Casey) Ernstes; brother, Raymond (Edna) Ernstes of North Vernon; sister, Dorothy (Tom Luedman) Eder of North Vernon; thirty-seven grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Dorothy Ernstes.

Memorials can be made through the funeral home to Jennings County Youth Foundation.