Ernest Lee Bro, 90, Syracuse, NE died Saturday, March 28, 2009, at Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse surrounded by his family. Ernest was born on October 15, 1918 in Syracuse to Fred and Ethel (Masters) Bro. He attended Syracuse High School. Ernest was a lifetime member of St. Paulinus Catholic Church in Syracuse. He was a past school board member at District #83, rural Syracuse, past St. Paulinus Church Counsel member, 22-year member of the Otoe County Weed Board. He was a farmer and his love was farming and improving the soil to leave a better place for the next generations. He was honored by Ak-Sar-Ben in 1992 as a 100-year Pioneer Farm Family. He was also an avid gardener and bird watcher and had many loyal farm dogs and cats. But his delight was spending time with his family. He married Imogene Gellermann on September 9, 1942 at St. Paulinus Catholic Church and to this union five daughters were born.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Imogene, Syracuse. Daughters and spouses: Peggy and Larry Neemann, Syracuse; Teresa and Bruce Liesemeyer, Unadilla; Joni and Andy Brace, Syracuse; Patti and Ron Rumery, Unadilla; Bonnie and Karl Johnson, Washington. Grandchildren: Rob and Linda Johnson, Columbus; Capt. Jason and Lori Berner, Beaufort, SC; Shad and Kerby Berner, Syracuse; Makaela Rumery, Lincoln; Christa Neemann, Syracuse; Jordan Rumery, Unadilla; Shandra and Sarah Johnson, Washington. Great-Grandchildren: Kody, Logan and Mitchell Berner, Beaufort, SC; Klarissa and Kaylee Johnson, Columbus; and Lilly Windhorst, Syracuse. Sister: Shirley and Clyde Skinner, Cameron, MO. Sisters-in-law: Verena Gellerman and Erma Meyer, Syracuse; Maxine Gellermann, Omaha. Many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Willie, Raymond and Wallace; sister, Genevieve; brothers-in-law: Elmer Gellerman, Harvey Gellermann, and Ernest Meyer.

Pallbearers are grandchildren: Rob Johnson, Jason Berner, Shad Berner, Makaela Rumery, Christa Neemann and Jordan Rumery. Honorary pallbearers are Dean Kraft, Cody Buck, Harland Farley, Chuck Bjork, Jerry Siefken and Steve Wellman.

Visitation will be Monday 9;00 a.m. to 9:00 p .m.; Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. until time of rosary. Vigil Service and Rosary will be at Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Fusselman-Wymore Funeral Home Chapel, 644 Park Street, Syracuse. Family greeting 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at St. Paulinus Catholic Church in Syracuse, with Father Michael Stec. Internment at Park Hill Cemetery, Syracuse.

Family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to St. Paulinus Catholic Church, Syracuse, NE; Syracuse Rescue Squad or Syracuse Fire Dept. Arrangements by Fusselman-Wymore Funeral Home, Syracuse.