Ernest C. Amling of Coquille passed away on June 21, 2018. He was 83 years old. Ernest was born in San Francisco, California on July 4, 1934.
He grew up and attended high school in San Francisco while working various jobs including one at Amling’s Flowers, his family’s business. In 1954 he met the love of his life, Diana Schroeder, a Coquille native who was attending secretarial school in San Francisco. He and Diana were married in November of 1955.
Several years later, Ernest and Diana moved to Coquille where he began an apprenticeship under his father-in-law, Elbert Schroeder who owned and operated Schroeder Brothers Mortuaries. Ernest graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1961. By the time they moved back to Oregon, they had four children and the fifth was soon to follow.
In Coquille, Ernest assumed management of the mortuary business and eventually bought the business in 1987, renaming it Amling/Schroeder Funeral Service. He retired in 1999. Ernest embraced the small-town Oregon life, and became a stalwart of the community.
He developed an interest in horse drawn carriages, initially obtaining a 1901 hearse and two Morgan horses. This led to the purchase of multiple other carriages and establishment of the Carriage House, aka The Barn. He was well known in the community for using these carriages for funerals and other community events, including parades, weddings and escorting Santa around town at Christmas time.
He loved the community of Coquille and became a civic leader, both in Coquille and Coos County. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Scout Leader of the local Boy Scout Troop, Coquille Valley Elks Lodge # 1935, Coquille Eagles Aerie # 2196, Commissioner of the Port of Bandon and the Coquille Chamber of Commerce, serving as its President for 3 terms. Ernie and his wife Diana were early contributors to the development and popularity of the Sawdust Theater.
On most summer weekends, the community would see Ernie and Diana singing, dancing and acting on the theater stage. Their love of music and theater was not only shared with the community but passed on to their children and grandchildren as well. He was a true Yankee Doodle Dandy and was famous for annual 4th of July celebrations which involved regular discharge of the famous “Big Bertha” canon.
Ernie and Diana were avid Oregon Ducks fan, always wearing green and gold and almost never missing a home football game. Ernie’s contributions to the community were numerous and memorable. He will be remembered for these and missed by all in the community he came into contact with.
Ernest is preceded in death by his parents; wife Diana (Schroeder) Amling and his son, Harold Amling. He is survived by son, Christopher Amling, Portland, Oregon, daughters, Laura Amling, Coquille Oregon, Rosemary Edwards, Portland, Oregon, and Kathleen (John) Augsburger, Bandon, Oregon, fourteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Viewing will be from 5-7pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Amling/Schroeder Funeral Service, 94105 Rink Creek Lane.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 28, at Holy Name Catholic Church, 50 S. Dean St. Burial will follow at Norway Cemetery.
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