Ernest Eugene Rassbach was born in Gillette, Wyo, on Oct. 2 of 1933. He passed away at his home in Arcata on Aug. 17, 2017 at the age of 83.

Ernest and his family moved from Gillette to Arcata in 1935 where he became a lifelong resident. Ernie proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Ernest was affectionately known to his friends and family as Ern, Uncle Ernie, Gramps and Big E. Ernie worked in local mills most of his life and in his younger days enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and family. He shared his love of the outdoors with generations of Rassbachs by taking his family to Hat Creek every summer for almost 60 years. When he was able to, he enjoyed walking with his friend Johnnie Avila and his trusty pal Otis.

Ernest loved watching his kids and grandchildren play sports. This included his niece Suzi riding in gymkhana, his granddaughters Elli and Angel playing softball, and his son Mike playing baseball. He loved spending all of his spare time with his family. Ernest had the biggest heart and had a radiating smile. After raising his own two children, he took in Christopher and Zachary whom he loved as his own. He was a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan. He shared his enthusiasm with his kids and family by taking them to games every summer as they were growing up.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mathew and Myrtle Rassbach, his brothers Harry and Bob Rassbach, his sister Helen Keyes, his nephew Doug Keyes and his niece Suzi Wallen. He is survived by his daughter Coral Goodman and husband Kevin, his son Mike Rassbach and wife Tracii Hickman, his six grandchildren Angel Goodman, Jason Rassbach, Kelli Kimaszewski, Andrew Rassbach, Elli Rassbach, Lucas Rassbach, his niece Kathy Holmes, and his nephews Christopher and Zachary Fusi. A special thanks to Karol and the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care in McKinleyville.

His memorial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata on Friday Aug. 25 at 1:30 p.m. with a gathering immediately after at his home. In lieu of flowers we would like for people to please make a donation to the National Kidney Foundation.

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The obituary above was submitted by Ernest Rassbach’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.