Suddenly, on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 of St. Joseph, and formerly of Germany in his 69th year. Husband of Christa (Rupp) Ihrig for 48 years. Dear father of Frank and Liz of St. Joseph, and Eric and Lauren of Warwick Township. Loving opa to Sebastian and Frankie Lenore. Adored son of Elisabeth (Flath) Ihrig and the late Ernst Ihrig. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Traudel and Albert Hoffart, and Erika and Hans Greif all of Germany. Loving uncle to Timo, Melanie, Sabrina and their families. Predeceased by his daughter Carmen (1976).
Ernst will be remembered for his love of music and spending time with family and friends, and for realizing his and Christa’s dream of moving to Canada to open a business, which combined their passion for hospitality with his love of Hanoverian horses. Appropriately, Ernst’s farewell gathering will take place within the walls of the buildings in which he has worn so many hats over the last 35 years.
Friends are invited to gather at the Coach House at Hessenland Inn, 72981 Bluewater Highway, Zurich on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 10:30 AM for a memorial service at 11 AM with Pastor Nadine Schroeder-Kranz officiating. Open reception to follow at 12 noon. Private family interment at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Zurich.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario or to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Zurich would be appreciated by the family. Haskett Funeral Home, Zurich entrusted with arrangements.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Alexander Naumoff
Dear Eric and Lauren & Family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Alex Naumoff & Robert Hall
Ludwig Christmann, Hannoveraner Verband
To Christa Ihrig and family,
please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband Ernst. I had the pleasure to meet him several times when we had our horse inspections in Ontario. He was a dedicated, experienced and longtime breeder and loved his Hanoverians. He will sadly be missed by the community of Hanoverian breeders in Ontario.
Julie Grimminck
Praying you have the courage and strength to get you through the many days a head. My condolences to everyone. I am blessed to have been a part of the Hessenland family. Know you are surrounded by many who care about you, love you and are praying for you.
Lana Gibbs
Dear Christa, Frank, Eric, and family,
I have many great memories of working with Ernst at the restaurant during the mid to late 80’s. He was extremely proud of his family and business accomplishments. You are in my thoughts during this very difficult time.
Fondly, Lana
Elaine & Wayne Corbett
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Cherish all your memories to help you through this difficult time. Sincerely Wayne and Elaine
Claudia Weinmann
Liebe Christa und Familie,
kurz vor Weihnachten haben wir die traurige Nachricht vom Tod von Ernst-Ludwig erhalten.
Wir wünschen Euch unser aufrichtiges Beileid und viel Kraft u. Zuversicht.
“Wenn ihr mich sucht, dann sucht mich in euren Herzen. Wenn ihr mich dort findet, dann lebe ich in euch weiter.”
Unsere Gedanken sind oft bei Dir.
Gudrun, Else, Richard und Walter mit Familien
Karn Durdin
Dear Christa and Family
I am very sorry for your loss. Ernst was a very kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Karn Durdin and family.
Roxanne Andrews
Dear Christa, Frank & Liz, Eric & Lauren,
I was very saddened to hear about Ernst’s sudden passing. Ernst was a wonderful man and I have many wonderful memories of him from my working days at Hessenland. His passion, love and devotion to his family, business and horses was amazing. Ernst will definitely be missed in the community. I am thinking of you and your entire family during this very sad and difficult time. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Love Roxanne Andrews
Dave and Pat Brodie
Dear Christa, Frank and Liz, Eric and Lauren and families;
Our sincere sympathies to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time.
Dave & Pat Brodie
Sara and Nuno Afonso
Dear Frank, Liz and Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
May you all continue to be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
With Much Love,
Nuno, Sara and the Girls xoxo
Laura Overholt
Dearest Christa and family, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Scott Bogart
Christa, Frank, Eric and families,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. We are thinking of you.
Scott, Lynda, Luke and Heath Bogart
Pat and Elaine Jeffrey
Dear Christa and family. Our prayers are with you’d at this very sad time. Pat really enjoyed time spent with Ernst.
Wendy Overholt
Christa ,Frank ,Eric and Family.
My Sincere Condolences
Many great memories of working at
Hessenland!
My thoughts and prayers
Wendy Paul and Derrick
Pauline Miller
Dear Christa, Frank, Liz, Eric, Lauren, Sebastian and Frankie.
My deepest sympathy in the loss of Ernst. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad and difficult time.
Monika Metzger
Dear Christa, Frank, Liz, Eric, Lauren and family,
We are very saddened to hear of the loss of your dear Ernst Ludwig. We can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now.
We are sending you lots of love and lots of strength to get through this difficult time.
Monika and Matt Metzger
Dr and Mrs William L. Tew
Dear Christa and family,
Hope you will find strength in knowing that you and Ernst touched so many lives and made a difference.
There will be better days ahead.
May God bless us all and hold us in the cup of His hands…
Bill and Anne Tew!
Fam. Albert Johe , Fam. Andreas Johe , Frank und Sabrina
Liebe Christa, liebe Familien Ihrig
am späten Freitag haben wir die traurige Nachricht vom Tod von Ernst Ludwig erhalten.
Es war immer eine große Freude sich mit Ernst zu unterhalten, besonders seine Art und sein Lächeln werden wir nie vergessen. Auch durften wir ein paar wunderschöne Tage bei Euch verbringen und Ernst in seiner/ eurer Umgebung erleben.
Worte alleine mögen trösten, aber vielleicht die Gewissheit, daß all unsere Gedanken und Gefühle bei Euch sind.
Ihr seid nicht alleine.
Deb Elliott
Dear Christa and family,
We send our love and sympathy to each of you at this time. Ernst’s contributions to his family, Hessenland, friends, and your community live on through beautiful memories that are held in many hearts.
We hope you can take comfort in knowing he is now at peace.
Love Deb & Ky
Steve Buchanan
Dear Liz and family,
No words can express how deeply all that know you are thinking of you right now.
Great blessings in the future always come from the foundation of love created in the past. When the light returns, those blessings will shine brightly indeed.
Jill & Ralph Geiger
Dear Christa, Frank & Liz & Eric & Lauren,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Ernst was a most congenial, gracious host.
Sincerely,
Jill & Ralph Geiger
Connie Peters
Christa, so sincerely sorry about your husband Ernst passing away – both for you and your family. I’m enjoying getting to know you again through these wonderful photos, although at such a sad time for you.
Connie,
Carlin and Dave
Allan & Sharon Brokenshire
Dear Christa, Frank & Liz, Eric & Lauren and families, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in your sad loss of Ernst we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers
Sincerely, Allan & Sharon Brokenshire
Ross & Susan Cordell
Christa & Family
May it comfort you to know that our sympathy and caring thoughts are with you during this difficult time
Ross & Susan Cordell
Willi Johe
Liebe Christa und Familie,
wir haben gestern die traurige Nachricht vom Tod von Ernst-Ludwig erhalten.
Vertrautheit auf eure Erinnerungen
sie bleiben für immer unvergesslich.
Habt Vertrauen auf eure Liebe,
sie gibt euch Kraft und Zuverzicht.
Und zuletzt vertraut auf die Zeit,
sie lindert den Schmerz und
lässt die Freude wiederkommen.
Wir denken noch oft unseren Besuch bei Euch – es war damals sehr schön und wir werden Ihn und Euch in guter Erinnerung behalten.
Euere Verwandten Barbara, Willi, Tobias und Fabian aus Heddesheim – Germany
Johanna Steegstra
Dear Christa and family,
My sincere condolences to you in the loss of Ernst.
Johanna Steegstra
Ena de Haan
Frank & family, wishing you much comfort at this time when your Dad died at a young age, too young we say!! You remember my teacher husband more so than me but we both loved your cooking ! :-)
Sincere sympathy Frank.
Ena
Mary Lou Erb
Dear Christa and family , my deepest sympathy to you at this sad time , Love and prayers
Melinda, Jason and Sophie Michielsen
Christa, Frank, Liz, Eric, Lauren, Sebastian, Frankie and Family,
Our deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Many laughs and happy memories working with Ernst over the years.
Joe Rau
Christa, Frank, Liz, Eric, Lauren, Sebastian & Frankie
To all of you our sincere sympathy. A wonderful man gone to Heaven. Remember all the good memories as that will help you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe & Carolyn Rau
Mike & Leanne Restemayer
Our deepest sympathies. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Leeanne Regier
Dear Christa, Frank, Liz, Sebastian, Eric and family,
We were so sad to hear of the passing of Ernst. He was a wonderful man. We have great memories of feeding his horses and seeing how proud he was of them. We are sending lots of thoughts and prayers to you all.
Hugs
Leeanne, Erica and Zoey Regier
George and Margaret Suplat
Dear Christa, Frank, Eric and families.
Our deepest sympathy at this sad time. Ernst has a place in many special memories for so many of us. We join the prayerful support extended by so many.
Derek Oswick
Dear Christa, Frank, Ihrig family, and all others who knew Ernst well,
I’m so sorry to read of your recent loss. Ernst was a pleasure to work with/for and to get to know during my time with you all. All my love goes out to your family.
Hugs to all,
Derek Oswick
Rod and Lori Merner
Our deepest sympathies to Christa, Frank and Eric on the passing of Ernst. We have many fond memories of Ernst and was always a pleasure to work for him.
Rod and Lori Merner
Barb Consitt
My deepest sympathy. I am sorry to hear of the passing of Ernst. It was always a pleasure to call upon Hessenland and have a short visit with Ernst and Christa and Frank and “little” Eric. It was one of my favourite spots because Ernst and myself were always ready to make a “deal”. My condolences to the family.
Stu & Ruth Ann Steckle
Wishing you the warmth of hugs & may your family have many memories of good times shared together with Ernst ..truly a gentleman !
Our caring sympathy & prayers ,
Stu & Ruth Ann Steckle
Marianne Ducharme
Dear Christa, Frank, Liz, Eric, Lauren, Sebastian & Frankie
You have all been our thoughts & prayers since hearing the terribly sad news of Ernst’s passing.
We hold many beautiful memories of Ernst from our many years of being blessed to have had our horses under his expert care. He taught us all so much & we were always truely honoured that he entrusted us to help with his magnificent Hanoverians. I can still see him with glistening eyes & the biggest smile at the sight of his newborn foals. Ernst’s standards were high & he was as honest as the day is long, a compliment from him neant you were truly doing something right. He encouraged Shawna & helped teach her to become a very accomplished rider, how he would always smile from ear to ear when she returned from horse shows with so many red ribbons.
Ernst has also left his mark on the horse world with the legacy of Champion Hannovarians here in Canada & the Untied States, he had a keen eye for great horses & impoted nothing but the best bloodlines.
Our hearts hurt so badly for all of you on the loss of such a wonderful man, please know we are sending much love & strength to all of you as you journey through this devastating time,
Marianne, Shawna & Lukas
José Van Haastert
Dear Christa, Eric, Lauren, Frank, Liz and the entire Ihrig family – I am so sorry to hear about Ernst’s sudden passing. My thoughts are with all of you and I wish you strength and bonding in the difficult days to come. May the good memories paint you a picture of love and tenderness to decorate your book of life. I wish you will be able to read this chapter in the future with a smile on your face. My heart is with all of you.
Black Forest Band
Dear Christa, Frank, Eric and Families
It is with sad Hearts that the Black Forest Band would like to extend our most sincerest sympathy at this most difficult time.
Gary, Clive, Verne, Ray
Steve and Nicole
Many a good time was had over the many years of knowing Ernst and his love for music, dancing and having a good time.
These memories will remain in our heart forever.
Ernst you will be missed
All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers
SteveR
Gwen O’Rourke
Dear Christa and family.
We extend our very deepest sympathy to all of your family. May the love of our wonderful community, surround you and help you through this difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Pat and Gwen O’Rourke
suzette
My condolences
Fr. Matthew George
God’s mercies are renewed every day! Dear Christa, Frank, Eric & families: I pray for the repose of the soul of Ernst and the consolation of your whole family. May the Light of Bethlehem fill you with peace in this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto your servant Ernst, O Lord; let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.
Don and Diana Taylor
Dear Christa, Frank, Eric and Family
Our deepest sympathies for the sudden loss of Ernest. We have so many fond memories from the times we worked at Hessenland. Please know that we are with you in thought, in prayer and in love.
Harv & Evelyn (Steckle) Vincent
Sincere sympathy to each of you. I remember Ernest’s kindness to so many. May God grant comfort and strength during this difficult time.
John Hamilton
Frank, Liz, and Sebastian,
Our sincere condolences to your families at this difficult time.
John, Stephanie, Ethan and Indra
Reinhold Graßmann
Liebe Christa und Familie
Wir haben soeben die traurige Nachricht von Lisabeth erhalten und übersenden Euch unser aufrichtiges Beileid. Wir wünschen Euch für die kommende Zeit viel Kraft, um den Tod von Ernst-Ludwig zu überwinden.
Wir werden ihn in guter Erinnerung behalten.
Seine früheren Nachbarn aus Fürstengrund
Reinhold und Inge Graßman
Robin Apel
Frank and family.
Sad news of your terrible loss has reached Vancouver.
Your west coast family and friends are thinking of you and although we cannot attend we are with you in spirit.
Dennis & Lorraine Regier
Christa and family.
Lorraine and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Ernst.
Our community is so fortunate ,that you and Ernst chose to establish such a wonderful home and business here. Condolences to you and your entire family.
Dennis & Lorraine
Kim
Frank, Liz and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Ernst’s passing. Sending you comfort, courage and strength in the days ahead. Thinking of you all.
With love and prayers,
David and Kim Lenover
Lynda Crossmand and Soren Petersen
Dear Christa, Frank and Liz,
Please accept our deepest condolences in this difficult and sad time in your lives.
Out thoughts are with you.
Hugs
Jackie and Jim Rowe
Christa and Family,
Our hearts are cracked open in sympathy for each and every one of you. You have all worked tirelessly to champion a youthful vision of many years ago. May that source of love and light that you, Christa and Ernst sparked stay bright for generations to come.
Edith Yeo
So sorry to read of your loss. I will remember his smile whenever I got to serve you at Tim Hortons in Lucan.
Henry and Deb Damsma
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
Don and Elaine Beauchamp
Christa and Family. So sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Ernest Our deepest sympathy at this difficult time Your in our thoughts and prayers
Fred Ducharme and Vicki Wale
Christa, Frank, Eric and families.
Ernst was a great man and will always be remembered by his love of horses and his willingness to share his knowledge. Cherish the memories you have and find comfort in them in the days to come.
Our sincerest condolences to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Doris Carrothers
Dear Christa, Frank, Liz, Eric and Lauren.
Our sincere sympathy to all at this sad time.
We are thinking of you. Love. Ron and Doris.
Dennis & Sheila Jeffrey
Christa and family,
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Tanja Heard
Dear Christa Liz Frank and family ! Our deepest sympathy and condolences too you and family , we are so sorry too hear of Ernst passing ! Your in our thoughts and prayers ! What a wonderful person Ernst was ! Great memories of a wonderful person !
Chris Coombs
So sorry to hear about Ernst.
He was such a good horseman. We truly enjoyed learning from him and getting to know him when we had our horse Teddy there. He would come across gruff but then that grin would appear and his little chuckle!
Thinking of all of you at this time.
Chris and Jenna Coombs
Pat and Gayle Waterd
Dear Christa and family,
Please accept our condolences in the loss of Ernst. We were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him from the early years at Hessenland.
Judy Mock
Christa, Frank, Liz, Eric and Lauren,
Words of deepest sympathy are sent with the hope that, as time goes by, cherished memories will help bring you inner peace, and make your loved one seen still very close to you. May the memories that mean the most to you live forever in your heart.
Jackie Wilkins
Our most sincere condolences. Please know you are in our hearts and we’re thinking of you all.
Jackie & Stacey Wilkins & family
Kristen Kral
Christa and Family,
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Kristen Kral (Durand) & Family
Dinah and Cam Taylor
Dear Frank and Liz,
We’ re saddened to hear of your father’s sudden passing. We will remember him and the many times he welcomed us, and the groups to which we belonged, to beautiful Hessenland. He will be missed by the community to which he contributed so much
Our sincere sympathy to you and all your family.
Dinah and Cam Taylor ( formerly of Grand Bend)
Cindy and Murray Kemp
Dear Eric, Lauren and the entire Ihrig family – we are very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you today and we will continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days to come.
Betty Kirk
Christa and Family
Hold each other close and know that Ernst has finally gone to his well deserved rest
Roxanne & Ken Brideau
Christa, Frank, Eric & family
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Ernst, he truly was a wonderful man whom was an inspiration too many
He will be deeply missed
Hold close to each other knowing you have a special guardian angel watching over you
My sincere sympathy to each of you
Hugs
Roxanne & Ken Brideau
Alwin Pauly und Leane
Liebe Christa und alle Angehörige.
Aufrichtiges Beileid aus Nidderau. Wir wünschen Euch allen viel Kraft, um dies zu verarbeiten.
Grüße aus Old Germany
Alwin + Leane
Rob Aitken
Dear Christa, Frank, Liz, Eric, Lauren & Family
My deepest condolences. Always loved my interactions with Ernst and his welcoming ways. Even in the last few years you could always count on at the very least a friendly wave. Going to miss him but he will forever be interwoven in the Hessenland fabric.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Rob
Susan Moore
Dear Christa and family: There really are no words other than I am so sorry to hear of Ernst’s sudden passing! We both, Christa , have lost husbands way to early in their life! Know my thoughts and prayers are with you! Hugs, Susan Moore.
Susan Mills & Mark Lewis
Dear Christa, Frank, Liz and the kids and extended Ihrig Family – our heart felt condolences on the passing of Ernst – a wonderful family man, successful business owner and community citizen. Such a loss to family and community. I’m happy my last memory of Ernst is at the dinner party he attended and he had a big smile on his face! Our thoughts are with you, Mark & Susan
Julian, Heidi, Sam and Peta Bayley
Christa, Frank, Liz, Eric and Lauren
Our sincere condolences at this difficult and sad time. Ernst and Christa together with Frank and Eric have been good friends since they arrived in the St Josephs area. Ernst struggled with his health in the last few years yet there are still many fun memories. He will be missed.
John McHenry
Christa, Liz, Frank and family. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
With sincere sympathy.
John McHenry
Karen L Brown
Frank and Liz, please accept my deepest condolences. The memories are everywhere at Hessenland. I pray that, in time, those memories will help you to smile and see the depth of all he created that you two are carrying on with such love.
Hugs, Karen L Brown
Erwin, Luzia Schottroff, Dave, Mary Jo Snopko
Sending many blessings to your families! Our deepest sympathy.
Tom and Joyce McLean
Christa and family
Condolences to the entire family on your loss.
Our prayers will be with you during this time of sorrow. Ernst will be greatly missed by all.
Tom and Joyce
Vern Crinklaw
Spent many moments yesterday and last night think of you and your family. I hope you and your family can find peace in the season during this very challenging time. Never easy….
Clarence Rau
Dear Christa and family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time . My sincere sympathy.
Doug and Betty Lynn Eckel
Christa, Frank & Liz, Eric & Lauren: Please accept our deepest sympathy during this very sad and difficult time. Know that the entire community have you all in our thoughts and prayers. May Ernst rest in peace.
Sharon and Ted Sanders
Dear Christa and Family,
Peace, Prayers and Blessings to you and your family at this difficult time. May the love and support of your family and many friends be of comfort now and in the days ahead.
Sincerely, Sharon and Ted Sanders
Glen and Donna Greb
Dear Christa and Family, So sorry to hear the sad news of Ernest’s passing..Cherish the many happy memories of the good times with family and friends. Hugs!
Mary Atkinson & Bud Carter
We are so very sorry for your deep loss.
Mike and JoAnne Pickering
Christa, Frank, Liz and family we send our deepest sympathies and knowing Ernst is at peace and without pain. We remember when our Daughter Pamela was married there and the big red tractor was brought for pictures and Ernst drove it around with a big smile. So many great memories for you to cherish at this sad time. Sending hugs to you all!! Mike and JoAnne Pickering and family.
Brenda Harburn
I am so sorry to hear of your loss
Angela & Kim McLean and our family
Our thoughts and our hearts are with the Ihrig family, who have always held a very special place in our family. Love from all of us.
Angela and Kim McLean and our family, with deep gratitude for all the wonderful memories we have shared with you at Hessenland over the years.
Marg Deichert
Dear Christa, Frank, Liz & Sebastian, Eric, Lauren & Frankie Lenore
Sending hugs and love at this sad time. Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.
Marg Deichert
Karin Humer
Dear Christa
Our condolences to you and your family.
Frank and Karin Humer
Monique and Joe Debus
Deepest sympathy to your family during this time.
Paula LaPorte
Dear Christa and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Ernest’s passing. I know the last few years has been a struggle, and I am sure that his suffering is over. You have made SO many beautiful memories and friends in the years together….Gather them around you and they will help you to get thru the next few busy days. You have a beautiful family by your side to support you. I remember for many years Isidore and always came for our anniversary and you both always stopped by to chat with us.
I will be thinking of you Christa……hugs
Paula
Gerald and Catherine Shantz
Dear Christa and Family
We wish to convey our deepest condolence to each of you at this very sad time in your lives. Our prayer is that God will surround each of you with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Lois Thiel
Love,support and prayers to Christa and all the family at this sad time.May it help to know that others are sharing in your sorrow and thinking of you. You have always been our Hessenland family.–Lois and Doug Thiel
Gerald and Catherine Shantz
Dear Christa and family-
We wish to convey our deep condolences to you and your entire family at this very sad time in your lives. Our prayer is that God will surround each of you with peace and courage in your days ahead.
Marg & Jim Sweitzer
Dear Christa. Frank & Liz, Eric & Lauren
Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this sad time…Hugs
Jim & Marg Sweitzer
Don & Charlene Oesch
Christa, Frank, Eric and families. Please accept our deepest condolences in the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers, along with those of the entire community that knew and respected Ernst so much, are with all of you.
Don & Charlene
Doug and Joyce McBeath
To Christa, Frank, Eric and families our sympathy and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time. It was always obvious how much Ernst enjoyed being a gracious host to his guests and also his love of his horses.
Denise Byrne
Christ’s, Frank, Liz, Eric, Lauren
My heart truly aches for all of you, during this most heart breaking and difficult time. Please allow the arms of the community, you chose to make home so many years ago, hold you close and support you in this most difficult time. Love and hugs to you all.
Donna O 'Brien
Dear Krista,Frank,Eric and families.My special thoughts and prayers are being sent to you at this so very sad time.May God bless each of you! Sincerely Donna
Doug and Sharon Kyle
Dear Christa and Family,
Extending our sincere sympathy to you at this very sad time. We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Doug and Sharon Kyle