Ernie D. Crane

Ernie D. Crane, 61, of Benton Harbor, formerly of Chattanooga, TN, departed from his temporary home here on earth on Sunday, October 20, 2013, while at University of Chicago Hospital. He fought a hard battle and won the ultimate victory. Ernie was born on September 9, 1952, in Tiftonia of Chattanooga, TN, to Ernest David and Margaret Marie Crane. He graduated from Baylor High School and worked construction with his Dad’s company for many years throughout high school and college. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in mechanical engineering. Ernie was a long time member of the Worldwide Church of God and was the Y.O.U. Youth Director for many years. He stayed well-grounded with his beliefs and was a devoted man of the Bible. Ernie worked for TVA for 20 years, the last 10 years of his employment he was a contractor at cook Nuclear Plant. He was a devoted father and husband, an athlete, avid outdoorsman, and big game hunter. In his younger years, he was very involved as a baseball and volleyball coach. Ernie married Julie Schultz on June 24, 2006, and in each other they found their best friend and deepest love. Those left to mourn Ernie’s passing and cherish his memory include his devoted wife Julie; daughter Erica and her fiancé Joel Lewis of Chattanooga, TN; stepson Joel (Hannah) Heuermann of Coloma; stepdaughter Allison (Chad) Bartalone of South Bend, IN; five precious grandchildren who affectionately called him “Opa”, Abby and Delilah Heuermann and Gabe, Camden and Sofia Bartalone; father-in-law Edward Schultz of Stevensville; brother-in-law Alan Schultz of Cumming, GA; sisters-in-law Carol (Fred) Zilke of Stevensville and Marci (Larry) Thivierge of Jenison, MI; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends. Ernie was predeceased by his parents, his mother-in-law Mildred Schultz, and his brother-in-law Michael Norton. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at 11:30 am at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI. Friends are invited to meet with the family one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:30 am. Because Ernie was such a man of nature and had such a love of hunting, and the last three years he had been so limited on his time enjoying nature, donations may be made to The Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation, P.O. Box 241, Harborcreek, PA 16421. Donations in his honor to this organization would make him SO grateful. He had not been able to hunt for 4 years now, and he lost part of his soul when he lost this ability. Friends wishing to send condolences may do so at the guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ernie was a true Southern gentleman. Everyone who knew him thought so highly of his character and integrity. We are blessed to have known him and his presence will be missed. God tested Ernie to the extreme and he ACED the test!