Ernest J. Tebbe

Ernest J. Tebbe | July 31, 1943 – August 17, 2024

Ernest Joseph Tebbe died peacefully at home in the presence of his daughter and son in the early hours of Aug. 17. He was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer in July and chose not to undergo treatment.

 Ernie lived his last weeks with gratitude and determination – working part-time, visiting his favorite spots, spending time with loved ones, watching lots of news and enjoying the Paris Olympics. He celebrated his 81 st birthday in Boonville, MO with family, then in Kansas City at LeFou Frog with dear friends. He was hospitalized soon after, awaiting a procedure that ultimately could not be performed, then was home with hospice for his final week. Ernie was very touched by the many family and friends who visited and the outpouring of love and support.

Ernie was born in Boonville to John Joseph Tebbe and Martha Marie (Barlow) Tebbe. He grew up with his younger sister, Mary Beth, and cousins galore, playing sports and enjoying small-town life. He attended St. Mary’s in Glasgow for grade school and St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Hannibal, then transferred to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. Returning after a holiday break at home, he discerned the priesthood was not his calling (“he was too broad-minded,” he joked) and he began the accounting program at the University of Missouri – Columbia. There he pitched baseball for the Tigers and met Sharon Montalbano. They were engaged, then married in August 1965, soon after graduation.

After living in Columbia, the couple moved to St. Louis where Ernie was an auditor for Touche Ross. Their daughter, Lisa, was born a year later, then John in 1967, and the family moved to St. Charles, across from a farmhouse with a horse named Red. 

The early 1970s brought a divorce and a job move to Ozark Airlines, where Ernie served as controller, a fulfilling job that brought opportunities for travel. Ernie shared this love with his children with frequent weekend trips and longer visits across the country and international travel. He also instilled his love of music from Pink Floyd to Steely Dan to Neil Diamond to the Eagles, with many concerts over the years.

In 1987, following an Ozark buyout by TWA, Ernie and his former wife and stepdaughter moved to Kansas City, and he quickly became fond of his new home, finding great restaurants, jazz clubs and making friends. After leaving TWA, he took his accounting skills, hospitality and friendly, helpful nature to Pisciotta’s, Aladdin Hotel and as a greeter at Walmart.

In 2002, Ernie moved to a loft apartment in the River Market and thoroughly enjoyed a vibrant life in the city, befriending neighbors and strangers. He found his second home – his “Cheers” – at Le Fou Frog, a bistro which became a beloved gathering spot to meet friends old and new, enjoy a sense of community along with a bowl of soup and a glass of red wine. He made the rounds of his neighborhood, stopping into new shops to welcome owners, supporting businesses, spending time in the antique mall next door. Some friends called him the “Mayor of River Market.” Ernie loved his neighborhood and was an ambassador for those new to the area. His favorite post-retirement job was chauffeuring his granddaughters to and from high school, which often included new music selections and stops for ice cream.

In 2015 he began working at Stor Safe as an office manager, greeting tenants, helping them in any way and forming relationships with many. His friendliness, kindness, reliability and loyalty were deeply appreciated as he found another close-knit family. He was determined to return to work after his hospital stay.

Ernie leaves a legacy of compassion, generosity and kindness. He helped those in need, whether friends or strangers, in any way he could. He lived “Love thy neighbor” and contributed in both small ways -- with a smile or word of encouragement -- and large.

 His family was his pride and joy. Ernie is survived by his daughter, Lisa, and son-in-law, John Powell; his son, John, and daughter-in-law, Kimmy, granddaughters Mia Tebbe and Lola Tebbe; grandson, Noah Arnold; stepdaughter, Alyssia Bruegge, her husband, Eric, and children, Marlow and Hutch; sister, Mary Beth Schnell; nephews Kris Walters and Greg Walters and his wife, Kelle; great nieces and nephews and dozens of cousins. Whether he was Ernie Joe, ET, the Big Ern, Uncle Ernie, friend, brother, grandpa or Dad, he will be deeply missed. In Ernie’s memory, consider daily acts of kindness and compassion or a pun or dad joke.

A service at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery is planned for Saturday, Oct. 19 in Boonville, MO. Time TBD. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 20 at Le Fou Frog in Kansas City, MO.

 The family is grateful to Kansas City Hospice (https://kchospice.org/donate/) for their care in Ernie’s final days. Ernie was also very proud that his children were graduates of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles (https://www.ash1818.org/main/giving/give/) and he was a loyal supporter. Gifts in his memory can be made to either organization, or the charity of your choice.