Ernest J. “Ernie” Engdahl, 78, of Indian Lake Road in Niles, died at 9:12 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2011 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles, unexpectedly but of natural causes.

He was born on July 27, 1932 in Fort Wayne to Earl E. and Norma L. (Bennett) Engdahl. He was raised in South Bend and came to Niles in 1952.

He was employed at the National Standard Company in Niles for 29 years, retiring in 1989.

Ernie was a veteran of the Korean conflict, serving in the United States Army. He was a founding member of the Pokagon Township Fire Department and a longtime member of the former Pokagon Lodge #136 F. and A.M. He was currently a member of the Saint Joseph Valley Lodge #4 F. and A.M., the Niles Shrine Club and the Loyal Order of the Moose #449 in Buchanan.

He enjoyed golfing, often at Hampshire, woodworking in his home shop and was a fan of the University of Notre Dame; but his greatest joy was his family.

On Nov. 29, 1952 in Niles he married the former Carol A. Webber, who survives. Also surviving are their children, twins Danny (Martha) Engdahl and Denny (Judy Rohlfs) Engdahl, both of Niles and Debra (David) Dill of Buchanan; grandchildren Denny Lee Engdahl Jr., Michael (Sara) Dill, Louri Engdahl and Teri (Andy) Mortek; great-grandchildren Sadie, Paula, Kaylee, Jaden, Alexia, Madelyn and Nolan; brothers Walter (Beverly) Engdahl of Niles and Dennis (Jo) Engdahl of Scottsville, Texas and several nieces and nephews.

Masonic Rites for Ernest J. Engdahl will be recited at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles by Joe Ferguson, chaplain of Saint Joseph Valley Lodge #4 F. and A.M.

Committal will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles and will conclude with the veteran’s flag presentation and taps by an honor guard of the U.S. Army.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at noon Wednesday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Ernie may be made to the donor’s choice.