Erna A. Ricklefs - age 87, of Pocahontas, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at the Pocahontas Manor in Pocahontas, Iowa.

Erna Annetta Murman was born on April 28, 1933, at home near Palmer, Iowa. She was the daughter of Nick and Grace (Schmidt) Murman. Erna was educated at Palmer High School and graduated in 1951. Erna was united in marriage to Everett Engel on June 17, 1951. They had three sons, John, Gene and Larry. They settled near Palmer where they farmed and raised their family. Erna worked in the Palmer School as a school cook for 15 years. Everett passed away July 22, 1983. On June 19, 1993, Erna was united in marriage to Robert Ricklefs. They made their home in Pocahontas and Erna enjoyed helping Robert on the farm.

Erna was a member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church, the ladies circle and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, quilting and playing cards with her friends. Erna especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Robert of Pocahontas; sons, John (Mary) Engel of Colorado, Gene (Deb) Engel of Texas and Larry (June) Engel of Palmer; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Erna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Everett; brothers, Herman and Andrew Murman and a sister, Leona Peters.

PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020, AT THE ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH IN POCAHONTAS WITH PASTOR JOHN MAYER OFFICIATING. BURIAL WILL TAKE PLACE AT ST. PAUL CEMETERY NEAR PALMER, IOWA.