Erna M. Propst

Erna Margareta Propst, was born on June 3, 1937 in Frensdorf, Germany to the late Baptist and Eva Windfelder. She went to be with our Heavenly Father on February 19, 2024, with loved ones beside holding her hands. She will be loved, cherished, and remembered forever by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday Feb 24, at 1pm in the Chapel of the Pines at Park Hill Cemetery, located at 4161 Macon Road, Columbus GA 31907.

Erna was the second youngest of 6 children. She was raised in Germany and finished school there. She worked briefly at Bosch and enjoyed riding her motorcycle.

At 22 years old, she fell in love with an American soldier, Zannie O. Propst, who would soon become her husband. They dedicated their love to each other, God and were married on December 12, 1960. They remained together and in love for 64 amazing years.

They moved to the United States in April of 1962 but shortly after Zannie was sent to Korea for work and in 1964 Erna returned home, as they remained stationed in Germany until 1968. In July of 1969, her husband was sent to Korea, again, at which time Erna studied to obtain her American citizenship. The day her husband returned from Korea, she surprised him, and they went for her to be sworn in as an American citizen on Sept 9th, 1970. During this time, she and Zannie welcomed 3 beautiful children; Roswitha P. Propst, Alfred Z. Propst, and Dianna T. Propst; but they will forever be known as "Rosie, Freddy, and Mushie" to her and family. Erna was a proud and devoted Army wife, mother, aunt, and "Oma" for many beautiful years to come and became the matriarch of her very close family

Erna spent 19 years working for Dolly Madison, from which she retired in December 1999. Afterward, she spent her time continuing to take care of her children and grandchildren and being their pillar of support. She loved to be outside in her garden where she planted and cared for thousands of flowers, trees and shrubs. She worshipped God faithfully and loved going to Church. She was a devout Catholic and was very involved in the Church her entire life.

"Oma" showed everyone around her what it feels like to be loved, appreciated, safe, comforted and truly blessed. She was the light in every room. Her kind soul shined through to every person she met. She made made sure to instill her morals and values onto her loved ones. She taught us all to have a pure heart and positive attitude. Oma was the epitome of inspirational. She has always been an angel, and our family finds comfort and peace in knowing that it was just time for her to gain her eternal wings in the arms of Jesus. She will forever be remembered as the heart, soul, and glue of the family.

Erna was preceded in death by her parents, 5 siblings, and her only son, Alfred Propst. She is survived by and will be eternally loved by her remaining family members including: The love of her life, Zannie O. Propst, her daughters; Roswitha Propst and Dianna Propst, her grandchildren; Amanda Propst (Chris), and Andrew Judah, her great grand daughters; Braelynn, Brynlee, and Emma, a younger brother Alfred Windfelder (Ernestine), several loving nieces, nephews and friends in Germany and the throughout United States.