Ernest F. Dost, 93, of Forest Park, died on April 8, 2021, after a short illness.
He attended and received a degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and worked for many years as a civil engineer.
Born in Chicago to German immigrants on March 8, 1928, Ernie joined the Army immediately after graduating from Lane Tech High School, and this afforded him the opportunity to live and travel in Germany after the war ended there. When he returned, he worked in Chicago and liked to make time for travel, once riding a motor scooter the whole of Route 66 and back, and years later visiting many national parks with his family.
Ernie lived in Oak Park in the 1960s and 70s and moved to Forest Park in 1979. He was known in town for riding his bike well into his eighties and for his efforts in recycling. He always carried a plastic bag to pick up trash, whether in town or on local hiking trails. He loved hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing, and camping, and for a time he enjoyed leading group outings with the Sierra Club, American Youth Hostels, and Forest Trails Hiking Club. His children remember him for his “love of nature, sense of justice, curiosity, and thirst for learning.”
Ernie was the husband of Marcia Dost and father of Eric W. (Patty) Dost, Monica (Norman) Weisz, Margaret Dost, and Andrew Dost. He was the grandfather of Holly Dost, Gemma Dost, Eric R. Dost, Michael Dost, Signy Weisz, Thor Weisz, and Ingrid Weisz, and great-grandfather of Ava Schneider. He is survived as well by many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Ernest F. (Angela) Dost, Jr., and siblings Margaret (the late Richard) Moore and Bernard (the late Geraldine) Dost.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is planning a small private burial. A larger celebration of Ernie’s life will be scheduled when it is safe for family and friends to gather.
