The world lost one of its strongest men in spirit, love, and determination—on January 13, 2026. Even in the days before he passed, Ernest R Pemble’s strength and playfulness never faded—he still held his own while he arm-wrestled his youngest son and tried to tell jokes at the Thanksgiving table.
Born on December 1, 1943, in Tomahawk, WI, Ernie was the second of five children.
Most knew him as Ernie; to his siblings, he was lovingly “Skeeter”.
Raised in the small town of Mercer, WI, Ernie would proudly say he graduated 13th in his class, then chuckle and add, “There were only 14 students.” A story his grandchildren loved to hear him repeat though to them Grandpa Ernie was smarter than everyone.
At the age of 19, Ernie felt the need to leave behind the small, hometown of a few hundred residence and head somewhere that better suited him. He said he landed in Butte, MT, and stayed because that’s where the $50 car broke down. His one-year stint was spent at work, though exactly at what remains a bit of a mystery. Known as the “Richest Hill on Earth” for its copper, gold, and silver mines, Butte drew many who searched for income. A man of few words, Ernie offered no further explanation—not to keep a secret, but for him, that was enough details.
In 1964, 20-year-old Ernie, still in Butte, learned from family that his draft card had arrived in the mail. Ernie decided to take control over his military future and walked into the local recruiter’s office to enlist in the Air Force rather than risk being drafted into a branch that didn’t interest him. He sold his car for whatever he could get and headed to San Antonio, TX for boot camp, known today as basic training.
Upon completion at the 3320th Technical Training Wing at Amarillo Air Force Base— home to the nation’s largest jet-engine mechanic school during the 1960s— Ernie was assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM as part of the 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. There, he was a jet mechanic with the new “Weather” program, to maintain the RB- 57F Canberra aircraft.
Several certifications note Ernie’s proficiency and qualification to be a Jet Engine Technician on the modified aircraft. He moved up the ranks as he completed other engine certifications.
At that time the Weather Reconnaissance was mostly classified. Kirtland stated the mission was to test for weather patterns and forecasting, to avoid public scrutiny. Perhaps this is why Ernie never mentioned what his mission was to family. Only in recent years have some of Ernie’s documents surfaced which prove his position at Kirtland.
The expansive city views and forested slopes of the Sandia Mountains were a change from the dense woods of Wisconsin. Ernie appreciated the warmer climate, and the mountains remained a source of pleasure for him, so much so that after completion of his fouryear term of service, Ernie chose to make New Mexico his home.
As part of the 58th, Ernie served on temporary duty assignments (TDY) in both Panama and Alaska. In 1966, he was transferred to a unit based at Clark Air Base in Luzon, Philippines— a key strategic transit hub and supply base during the height of the Vietnam War. When Ernie reflected on his time at Clark, he merely said he patched a lot of bullet holes and maintained aircraft. The faded pages of his vintage, lacquered Japanese scrapbook, hold tacked photographs that tell a little more of his story—there are photographs of water buffalo, bunches of bananas, and everyday moments of him and his buddies on reprieve from war.
In 1968, after approximately 18 months spent repairing a wide range of war-damaged aircraft, Ernie returned to the United States to rebuild his life and renew valued relationships. He proposed to Cheryl Parsons, whom he had met while stationed at Kirtland. The couple relocated to McCoy Air Force Base in Florida, where Ernie completed the remainder of his four-year, service commitment. Ernie concluded his military career with the rank of Sergeant (E4), commonly known as a “Buck Sergeant”.
Ernie and his new bride settled near her family in Grants and eventually raised two sons, Ryan and Brandon while Ernie worked as a heavy-equipment mechanic. Ernie was known to start his workday at the local coffee shop even though he had a pot brewed at home. There Ernie could shoot the “you know what” with the men before he got his hands greasy.
Ernie acquired community trust as an honest and proficient mechanic with Ernie’s Truck and Auto, his home business, where he served family and friends who would become loyal customers until he closed shop in 2010.
Ernie was a devoted husband, who cherished his wife for nearly 58 years. He was a stern father who demonstrated what it meant to be a good man and explained that education and hard work lead to a better life. As an always-present grandfather, Ernie proved to his two grandsons, a Senior Airman and a Pharmacy Technician, that there is grace in strength, and it is an honor to earn the respect of others. When Ernie squeezed on the piano bench with his only granddaughter, his winks or tears for his girl taught her resilience and the power of a beautiful mind.
Ernie’s services will take place Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cow Palace in Grants. Interment will immediately follow at Grants Memorial Park.