passed away peacefully on the morning of June 6, 2018 at the age of 92.
Dearest partner of Robert R. Bousman for 59 years. Robert proceeded him in death in 2015. Born to the late Stephen Rohay and Irine -Rohay. Brother to the late Vincent Rohay, Victor Rohay, Matilda (Gus) Garagnani, Frances Friss and Christine Wheeler. He was an uncle, great uncle and cherished friend to so many that were blessed to know him. Ernie served in the Navy during World War II between 1943 and 1946. He retired from Union Pacific Railroad after more than 40 years working at their downtown office. Ernie was a generous person to those around him and to his community. He loved to garden at home. Ernie would spread his love for gardening by spending hundreds of hours each year tending to the gardens at St. Mary of Victories Church and helping out with his neighbors’ gardens. Ernie traveled many times to Europe with his partner Bob with dozens of visits to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria. They made many lifelong friends with people along their travels. Christmas was Ernie’s favorite time of the year. He was affectionately known as Mr. Christmas to those who knew him. Together with Bob, they elegantly decorated their home in South St. Louis with festive lights inside and out. The decorations were displayed for thousands to enjoy over five decades. Ernie was a great friend to many and one who always made you smile when you were around him. Ernie will be missed by his friends and family.
Services: Interment will be at Jefferson Barrack cemetery in a private service. All are welcome to celebrate his life with a memorial mass at St. Anthony’s of Padua Church in south Saint Louis June 15th at 11 a.m. Friends with meet to share stories 30 minutes before mass. In lieu of flowers, please give a memorial gift to Missouri Botanical Gardens or the Humane Society of Missouri.