CEDAR RAPIDS - Erna Louise Rinderknecht, age 98 of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Atkins died Sunday, April 15, 2007 at St. Luke's Hospital following a brief illness.  Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, April 19, 2007 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins with Rev. Douglas Woltemath officiating.  Visitation will be from 4 - 7 P.M. on Wednesday also at the church.  Interment will be in St. Stephen's Lutheran Cemetery, Atkins. 

Erna is survived by her two sisters:  Eda Schanbacher of Solon and Elsie Polk of Spring Green, WI.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Irene Rinderknecht of Cedar Rapids and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers:  Arnold, John, Alfred, Herbert and Otto Rinderknecht; two sisters:  Helen Schwartz and Rose Rinderknecht.

Erna was born November 5, 1908 the daughter of George W. and Anna (Gerhold) Rinderknecht in rural Atkins. She attended St. Stephen's Parochial School in Newhall then moved to Omaha, NE where she worked as a cosmetologist at the Herzberg Salon for 22 years.  She retired and returned to Atkins in 1967 and later moved to the Meth-Wick Community in 1996.

Erna was a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church where she was an accompanist and member of the church choir.  In her leisure she also enjoyed genealogy, playing cards and family reunions. 
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the compassionate care that Erna received during her stay at St. Luke's Hospital.

Memorials may be directed to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, the Meth-Wick Community or a charity of the donors' choice.

Phillips Funeral Home, Vinton is in charge of arrangements.