RENAE ERNESTI

1975-2023

Renae Erin Ernesti (Ottemann) the second child of Virginia (Bohlken) and Harlan Ottemann was born December 11, 1975, in Auburn, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Johnson,NE. She attended elementary and high school at Johnson-Brock Public Schools where she graduated in 1994. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in May 1998. She married Jamie Rathbone on July 11, 1998. The couple had three children, Cassie, Nicholas, and Blake. They later divorced. She married Andy Ernesti in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on March 3, 2012. She welcomed his children Cevahn and Carter to their family.

She was Vice President and Data Processing Officer at Madison County Bank where she was employed since 1999. She was an avid Husker volleyball fan and season ticket holder; she was able to attend Nebraska Volleyball Day in August. She loved attending her children’s activities and was always an encouraging supporter. Traveling with her friends and family was one of her favorite pastimes. One of her greatest accomplishments was hiking to the top of Diamond Head in Oahu as she was battling cancer.

Renae fought cancer courageously for over three years. She passed away on October 12, 2023, at the age of 47 years, 9 months and 12 days surrounded by her loving family. Her caring attitude and contagious smile will truly be missed. She never let cancer stop her from living her life to the fullest.

She was preceded in death by her infant son Nicholas Steven Rathbone, father Harlan Ottemann, nephew Kadan DeBuse, and grandparents.

She is survived by her husband Andy Ernesti; children Cassie and Blake Rathbone, Cevahn and Carter Ernesti. Mother and stepdad Virginia and Jim Baack; Lincoln, NE. Stepmom Deb Ottemann; Johnson Lake, NE. Sister and brother-in-law Amy and Todd DeBuse; Lincoln, NE. Brothers and sisters-inlaw Kurt and Leslie Ottemann; Lincoln NE, and Cody and Kristina Baack; Arvada, CO. Step-brothers and spouses Brian Baack; Lincoln, NE, Jeff and Lexie Baack; Auburn, NE, Brian Keller; Kearney, NE, and Aaron and Molly Keller; Omaha, NE. Mother and Father-in-law Alvin and Dona Ernesti; Columbus, NE. Brothers and sisters-in-law Doug and Sue Ernesti; Arlington, NE, Todd Ernesti; Columbus, NE, and Nick and Marie Ernesti; Sargent, NE. 22 beloved nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends.

A funeral service was held Monday, October 16, 2023, at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Columbus, Nebraska. A prayer service was then held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Martin Luther Lutheran Church near Johnson, Nebraska. Burial followed in Martin Luther Church Cemetery.

Local services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.