Carl Richard Ernsberger, 86, Bremen, passed away at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa.

He was born on Sept. 3, 1929, the son of James R. and Elizabeth (Shock) Ernsberger in South Bend. Carl proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1953. After returning home, he married Peggy Ernsberger on Aug. 14, 1954. Carl was a plant manager for 22 years at Bremen Bearings and in 1993 retired from Draw Form of Zeeland, Mich. as a chief design engineer. He was a long standing and active member of the First Baptist Church of Bremen, where he taught Sunday School and served as Deacon. He was a loving family man who will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years: Peggy Ernsberger; seven children: Kathleen Ernsberger, Perry, Ga.; Elizabeth Berger, Anchorage, Alaska; Jackie (Steve) Hunsberger, Wakarusa; Dianna (Pat) Riley, Fort Wayne; Ken (Janice) Ernsberger, South Bend; Carla Yoder, Bremen; and Cindy (Ron) Korba, Peru; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings: Shirley Metzger, Grand Rapids, Mich.; and James Ernsberger, Las Vegas, Nev. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Harold; Eugene; and Robert; sister: Barbara Rhoutsong; and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, in Mishler Funeral Home, Bremen. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15, in First Baptist Church, Bremen, with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Pastor Ben Hammond will officiate. Burial will follow in Bremen Cemetery with military honors. The family prefers memorial to First Baptist Church.