Ernest R. Nepodal, Jr., 54 of Yankton

His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 12, 2011 at the Springfield Community Bible Church in Springfield, with Pastor Jon Cooke of Calvary Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the the Tyndall Cemetery, rural Tyndall. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield, with family present.

Ernest Richard Nepodal, Jr., son of Ernest W. and Virginia V. (Miller) Nepodal, was born August 26, 1957 in Tyndall. He died Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Ernest attained the age of 54 years and 14 days.

Ernest graduated from Springfield High School. After graduation, he pursued several occupations, such as farming and auctioneering, both of which he could not continue, due to physical limitations. Ernest was employed as a radio dispatcher directing the donation pickups for Good Will Industries in Houston, TX. When physical limitations once again thwarted this pursuit, he became a life-long friend and farmhand to David Ruppelt.

Ernest was a charter member of the Missouri Valley Railroad Club and Pastor Benny's Baptist Church in Houston, TX. He was the student manager for the high school football and basketball teams, and was an over-all football fanatic. Ernest collect model railroading and John Deere model tractors. He also enjoyed bird watching and loved the country and farm life.

Thankful for having shared his life are his mother Virginia of Yankton; sisters: Cynthia (Carl) Pravecek of Yankton, Charlotte (Jim) Newkirk of Edmond, OK, Kathryn (Paul) Claus of Lincoln, NE, Lori (Jeff) DeForest of Oklahoma City, OK; brother Clark (Anita) Mola of Mesa, AZ, and their families; and many friends.

Ernest was preceded in death by his father on August 22, 1995.

Ernest was known for his ready smile and keen sense of humor. He was a constant inspiration to his family, friends and everyone who met him. Ernest will be greatly missed.