Ernest Charles Ecklesdafer, Jr.

MISSOULA ~ Ernest Charles Ecklesdafer, Jr. 75 years of age, passed away Friday, August 12, 2022 into the loving arms of His Lord. Ernest was born November 10, 1946 in Missoula, Montana to Ernest, Sr. and Martha (Maier) Ecklesdafer. He was raised in the Drummond and Maxville area and moved to Missoula in 1952. Ernest attended Washington Grade School, Missoula County High School, and graduated from Sentinel high school in 1964. He joined the Army in 1966, receiving an honorable discharge later on. He and Susan Mitchell were married in June 1973 and later divorced in October 1977. Ernest was a super cool guy, outgoing, always willing to help, and a friend to all. He could fix or build anything. Ernest helped his Dad to build the cabin at Princeton. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and enjoyed motorcycling with his buddies. He worked at Alpine Bronze and had a great love for fine arts. He won praise and prizes from the Ford Motor Company for his design of a car. Ernest is preceded in death by his father, Ernest, Sr. , his mother Martha, his brother-in-law Bob Bartz, and his nephew Bryan Barts. Survivors include his sister Diane Bartz, Nephew Brent Bartz, cousin Sharon, Joy Buddenberg, his former wife Susan Allen, and long-time family friend Kristin Jakobson. Just Cremation Montana is assisting the family with the arrangements. An internment service will be held at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 10:00 a. m. , with Pastor Chris Flohr of St. Paul Lutheran Church officiating.