On the morning of January 4, 2019, Ernie passed away peacefully of natural causes surrounded by his family. He was 97 years old.
Ernie was born the youngest of eight children on August 21, 1921 to Ernest H. Dygert and Permelia Coolidge Dygert in Toluca, MT.
In 1926 Ernie moved with his family to a ranch between Luther and Red Lodge Montana. He attended Hogan Creek School, a one room schoolhouse. It was during his childhood when he met his future wife, Nellie Vincent, a neighboring rancher’s daughter.
As a young man he worked as a carpenter with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Ernie was then drafted into the Army in July of 1942. He was in the 540th Engineer Regiment during WWII where he participated in beach landings in North Africa and Anzio. While in Anzio, he met the war correspondent Ernie Pyle who documented their meeting in his book Brave Men. Ernie then toured with the Army through southern France where he was injured and sent to a hospital in England for the duration of the war.
Upon discharge from the Army Ernie moved back to Montana where he married the love of his life, Nellie Mae Vincent, in Billings, Montana on September 22, 1945. They made their living building highways all over Montana while Ernie belonged to Operating Engineers local 400. Therefore, they lived in many places before settling in Helena 43 years ago..
Ernie belonged to the local VFW, DAV, American Legion, and the Eagles in Bozeman, MT. The couples’ hobbies included socializing and playing cards with their friends. In their retirement Ernie and Nellie enjoyed camping with the Treasure State Wheelers Good Sam Club.
Ernie was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Nellie, his parents, his brothers Clyde, Harold, Ed, Albert, and Bill Dygert, his sisters Alma Grey and Alice Levi, his grandaughter Schelly Betts, his great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jon, Jillian, Wyatt, and Sam Tielking.
Ernie is survived by his three children, Donna Tielking and her husband Chuck of Helena, sons Ernest R. Dygert and his wife Vickie of Bozeman, and Hank Dygert and his wife Kandys of Spokane, WA, his grandchildren C.J., Scott, Jon, Don, and Steven Tielking, Anna Shevlin, Ernest L Dygert, and H.J. Dygert. There are 19 great- grandchildren, eight great- great -grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial graveside service honoring Ernie’s life will be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Ernie’s wife, Nellie Mae, who passed away on May 29, 2009, will be laid to rest with him at this time. A reception will follow the service at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena.
If desired, memorial donations may be made in Ernie’s name to Compassus Hospice 1075 N. Rodney St Helena, MT 59602.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Fort Harrison VA Hospital for their excellent care of Ernie. Thank you also to Rocky Mountain Health Care, especially Jasmine, TJ, Dorie, and Brandy for taking care of Dad. A special thank you to Pasha for being there for us and Dad at the end.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Ernie.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:30 p.m.
Thursday January 10, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the graveside service
Thursday January 10, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:30 p.m.
Thursday January 10, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the graveside service
Thursday January 10, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Jon Tielking says
His Paragraph from “Brave Men”:
I was riding through the wreckage of Anzio and saw a big bulldozer in a vacant lot. On it was the name “Ernie,” spelled out in big blue metal letters wired to the radiator. So I stopped to look into this phenomenon. The displayer of this proud name was Private Ernie Dygert of Red Lodge, Montana. His father owned a big ranch there. Young Dygert had driven trucks, ducks and bulldozers in the Army. His main job there was filling up shell craters. He didn’t seem to mind living in Anzio. The same couldn’t be said for his namesake. ”
I’m going to miss you Grandad
Jasmine Hunter RN says
Ernie was a very special part of the RMCC family. He brought smile’s and spunk to the facility from the moment he came to us. I enjoyed getting to know Ernie and shared in his appreciation for Hersey’s chocolate. My condolences to the family for your loss. I will miss Ernie. Thank you for choosing RMCC to be his home.
Pauline Tielking says
Charles and Donna; We are sooo very sorry for your loss of your sweet father. We are heartbroken, we know that God has gained another Angel in Heaven. He was a very special man whom made a great impression to everyone that knew him or met. He will be greatly missed. Sending you a very big hug and our prayers for strength,comfort and peace during this very difficult time. Love: Kenneth and Pauline
Connie Boyett says
Sorry for your Loss. May the Good Lord wrap his Arms around each and everyone of you during this time of need. May you have Peace and Comfort knowing that your Dad had such a Great influence on All that he came in contact with and knew. Love your family dearly.