Obituary of Ernest V. Ninneman

Ernest V. Ninneman, Sr., 82, of Martin Road, Fonda, died peacefully Thursday morning, February 18, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam with his loving family by his side. He was born June 9, 1927 in Oriskany Falls, NY a son of the late Frederick and Beatrice Siler Ninneman. Ernie was a life resident of the area and was a graduate of Fultonville High School. He then entered the US ARMY where he served during the WWII era as a Private First Class Officer and a Military Policeman. Following his Honorable Discharge, with numerous medals and awards, he enlisted in the US ARMY Air Force, then with the US Air Force, holding several ranks over the years, before retiring with a rank of Master Sergeant with the US Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia. Ernie married the former Ella E. Traver of Fultonville on March 8, 1952 in the Town of Rotterdam. The couple made their home in Fonda where they remained very active in the community. Ernie was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church in Fultonville before becoming a member of the Glen Reformed Church. He was also a member of area rifle clubs such as the Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown. Ernie loved airplanes and enjoyed building models over the years. He was also a talented woodworker who could scroll the wood and made beautiful clocks with this particular talent. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching NASCAR and spending quality time with his family and many friends. His loving family includes his wife of nearly 58 years, Ella E. Ninneman of Fonda, NY, his son Ernest V. Ninneman, Jr. and wife Lynn of Tribes Hill, NY, his sister Thelma Cook of Sherril, NY, his grandchildren Natisha Grandjean and husband Russell of Rockhill, SC and Adamson Ninneman and wife Vanessa of Johnstown, NY, and his great-granddaughters Ellyn and Olivia Grandjean of Rockhill, SC and Mackenzie Miller of Johnstown, NY. Several step-siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral Services will be at 11:00AM on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main St., Fultonville, NY with Rev. Charles Hesselink, officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Sand Flats in Fonda. The family will receive relatives and friends Monday evening from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the funeral home. Contributions in Ernie's memory may be made to Gentiva, 501 New Karner Rd., Suite 3, Albany, NY 12205-3882 or to the Glen Reformed Church, 1526 St. Hwy. 161, Fultonville, NY 12072.