Earnest "Ernie" Hardy, 92, Spearfish, SD formerly of Deadwood, died Friday, August 31, 2012 at Fort Meade VA Medical Center. Ernie was born January 10, 1920 at Osage, WY to Glen and Mary (Selah) Hardy.
Ernie spent his early years on a ranch near Osage, moving to Deadwood in the early 1930's. He graduated from Deadwood High School in 1938. After high school he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was a Bronze Star recipient for heroic action in Germany. After returning from the War he held various jobs, until becoming a letter carrier for the Postal Service, where he worked for 35 years.
On November 24, 1948 he married Helen Louise Jungling in Deadwood. They had two sons, Jerry and Don Hardy. They were longtime, active members of the Baptist church in Deadwood. His favorite activities were hunting, fishing, camping and about any other outdoor activity.
He is survived by his sons; Jerry (Janice) Hardy, Westminster, CO, Don (Joy) Hardy, Watertown, MN; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and brother, Jim (Joyce) Hardy, Neptune, NJ.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at First Baptist Church of the Northern Hills in Deadwood, with visitation one-hour prior to services. A memorial has been established to the First Baptist Church of the Northern Hills.