Robert Ernesti, 75, of West Point, died Wednesday. April 8, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Retirement Community in West Point.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30am on Saturday, April 18 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the GACC Cafeteria.  Visitation will be Friday, April 17 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00pm at church.  Memorials may be made to Guardian Angels Central Catholic STEAM Lab.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Bob was born on May 23, 1950, in West Point to Aelred and LaVerna (Kampschneider) Ernesti. He attended St. Aloysius Grade School and graduated as valedictorian from West Point Central Catholic in 1968. He continued his education at Creighton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1972. It was at Creighton that Bob met the love of his life, Colleen Philbin.

Bob and Colleen were united in marriage on August 4, 1973, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Omaha. The couple began their teaching careers and made their home in Omaha for three years before returning to West Point to raise their family.

Bob devoted his life to faith, family, and education. He taught junior high math and religion at Guardian Angels Central Catholic for 43 years. He was instrumental in developing the school’s STEAM lab and later served as the high school lab instructor until his retirement in May of 2020. Staying current with technology was always important to him, and he brought that passion into the classroom throughout his career. His Catholic faith and his love for teaching touched the lives of many students over the years.

Bob was a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and a dedicated member of a card club for 40 years. He was an avid reader, enjoyed puzzles, and loved following his grandchildren’s activities. He was also a loyal fan of both Creighton and Husker sports.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Molly (Ben) Bishop of Forest, Virginia; sons, Tim (Una) Ernesti of Sioux City, Iowa, Sean (Erin) Ernesti and Terry Ernesti, both of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Noah and Sophie Bishop, Luka, Maria, Colin, and Gavin Ernesti; sisters, Mary (Ray) Kempf of West Point and Marlene (Keith) Anderson of Oakland; and brother, Kenneth (Patty) Ernesti of Council Bluffs, IA; sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Rosales of Ralston and Katie (Steve Jackson) Philbin of Bellevue; brothers-in-law, Phil (Dawn) Philbin of Birmingham, Alabama, and Will (Betsy) Philbin of Omaha.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen, in July of 2023; his parents, Aelred and LaVerna; and his in-laws, Joseph and Kate Philbin.