About Us

Michael Ernst began his journey in the funeral industry when he was a freshman in high school. He worked for the Christensen-Ciha Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Odebolt and Battle Creek, Iowa. Michael went on to attend Iowa State University in Ames, IA before transferring to the Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Decatur, GA.

After graduation, Michael moved to Denver, CO in 2000 where he worked as a funeral director with the Drinkwine Family Mortuary in Littleton, CO. In 2005, Michael and his family saw an opportunity in the Waukee & Western Suburbs of Des Moines area. On November 5, 2005, Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services officially opened.

Michael enjoys golfing, traveling, playing cards and cribbage and spending time with his family and french bulldog. He also enjoys in his free time working part-time as a Licensed Realtor in the State of Iowa and helping people with their real estate goals.

Matthew Ernst graduated from Iowa State University and from DMACC Mortuary Program.  Currently Matthew is a part-time director at Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services.

Matthew lives with his wife, Melissa, on their acreage outside of Winterset. Matthew enjoys spending time working on cars, maintaining his property, spoiling his two English Bulldogs and playing golf. He also has his commercial pilot's license and flies for a company based out of Des Moines.

Iowa Native, DeWayne grew up in North Liberty/Cedar Rapids areas of Iowa and graduated from Clear-Creek Amana High School in 1997. Being from a small town, DeWayne was coined the nickname Dewey and it never went away!

Dewey came to Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services in 2010 and started as part-time staff in the funeral industry. Over the years, he has worked his way through the business and was recently named Office Manager and will head up our new Monuments & Markers Department.

With a background in restaurants and the hospitality industry, Dewey prides himself on creating a memorable and unique experience and his clients, which has led him to providing superior experiences to our staff and families.

In his downtime, Dewey enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, spoiling his two fur babies and enjoying some R&R at the lake. He also works along side Michael at Century 21 Signature Real Estate helping people with all of their real estate needs.

Quincy and his little brother Archie can be found at the funeral home from time to time. These french bulldogs enjoys lounging in the office, keeping an eye on things, sleeping the day away, wrestling and once in awhile greeting visitors on regular office days.