Otto F. Ernst, age 87, passed away on December 5, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, April 20, 1938, to Otto J. and Kathryn Ernst.
When Otto was a year old, the family moved to Montague, where he spent the rest of his childhood. After graduating from Montague High School, Otto enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country for two years, during which he traveled to Okinawa, Japan. Following his honorable discharge, Otto went to work in the Ernst family’s metal studio, Old Century Forge, before beginning a 28-year career as a supervisor at Howmet. He is fondly remembered there for his fairness, patience and remarkable ability to fix anything set in front of him.
In 1960, Otto married the love of his life, Judith Kemstra, and together they made their home in New Era, where they raised five daughters, affectionately known as “Otto’s angels.” Summers were filled with adventures aboard Ott’s Yott, the wooden boat he lovingly restored, as well as days spent on local beaches and trips up north. After his retirement, Otto and Judy built their dream home and enjoyed their remaining years back in Montague, surrounded by dear friends old and new.
Otto is survived by: his daughters, Linda (Randy) Hughey, Mary Jo Ernst, Sharon Ernst and Kathy (Tom) Oakes; son-in-law, James Harris; and his “adopted” daughter, Melanie (Michael) DuMonte; his beloved grandchildren, Eric and Erin Hughey, Irene and Nicole Skokna, Scott and Sean Harris, Brittney DuMonte, Kelly Meads and Emily Wehr.
Otto was preceded in death by: his wife, Judy; daughter, Connie Harris; parents, Otto J. and Kathryn Ernst; and his siblings, Susan Johnson, Kathryn Goeres, Ruth King, Thomas Ernst, John Ernst and Paul Ernst.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and Harbor Terrace for the exceptional care and support they provided.
Memorial services will be held June 6, 2026, at Ferry Memorial Reformed Church, 8637 Old Channel Trail, Montague, MI 49437. A receiving of friends will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon with services immediately following. Interment will be in Hubbard Cemetery, Muskegon, Michigan.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. harrisfhome.com
