Ernest "Ernie" Froman, 83, of Minonk, IL passed away at 10:43 pm on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at his residence in Minonk.

He was born on January 19, 1927 in Washburn, IL a son of Clyde and Carrie Patton Froman. He married Mildred Beachey on July 3, 1949 in Roanoke, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Linda Bradley of Minonk,IL; Stephanie (Jim) Ridgeway of Bloomington, IL; three sons, Michael (Sandi) Froman of Normal, IL; Dale Froman of Marseilles, IL; Chris (Jenn) Froman of Bloomington, IL; one son-in-law, Marc Durre of Minonk, IL; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Hany; Jason and Joe Durre, Alexandra and Olivia Froman; three great-grandchildren, Zach, Ella, and Audra Hany; and one brother, Kenneth (Charlene) Froman of Winnebago, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Frances Durre.

He was an Air Force veteran

Ernie worked at Granert Clothing factory as a cutter and later at Ulrich Manufacturing in Roanoke. He worked at Caterpillar in Peoria. He last worked at the Pontiac Correction Center where he retired after 20 years there. He owned and operated his furniture repair and finishing business, Froman’s Wood Art Shop, for 43 years.

He was a member of the Pontiac Camping Caterpillar Club.

Ernie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Minonk where funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 20, 2010. Rev. Richard Olson and Dr. Harry Sanders will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Minonk Township Cemetery where military rites will be accorded at the grave. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Minonk. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.