Ernest Toborg, Jr.  1940-2020

Ernest G. Toborg Jr. was born on February 10, 1940, at St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island, Illinois to Ernest and Erna (nee Deckman) Toborg Sr. He passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020, at his home after an extended illness.

Ernie graduated from Zion Lutheran Grammar School in 1954 and graduated from Fenger High School in 1958. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August of 1958 and served 4 years of active duty onboard the USS Thetis Bay (CVHA-1) and shore duty in Naples, Italy. Ernie received a Good Conduct Medal in August 1961 and was honorably discharged in August 1962. He served as an Instructor of Communications at Navy Pier as an active reservist until February 1964. His rank was Radioman 3rd Class (E-4.) He was a proud Navy Veteran.

Ernie and Karen Louise (nee-Billburg) were married on June 15, 1963. Ernie worked in the Banking Industry as a Finance Manager for 9 years after they were married. He attended Thornton Junior College sponsored by the American Institute of Banking. He then made a career shift and became a Finance/Lease Manager in the auto industry in 1972. Ernie worked in various dealerships until he retired in 2007. He then became a part-time school bus driver from 2008-2015 and was fondly known by the children as "Mr. Ernie".

Ernie was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods. He was a loving husband, father, and a very proud grandfather. His faith in his Savior and his family were extremely important to him. His hobbies were boating, fishing, and woodworking. He took tremendous pride in maintaining his home and truly enjoyed working in his yard. His motto was "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today".

Ernest is survived by his spouse of 57 years, Karen Toborg (nee Billburg); his children Pamela (John) Elliott, Kathy (late Tom) Rieb, and Keith (LuAnn) Toborg; his grandchildren Megan Elliott, Sara Elliott, Ryan Elliott, Courtney Rieb, Zachary Rieb, Rachel (Chris) Hall, and Savanna Cathey; he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister Rosemarie (late John “Jack”) Hansen.