Ernest J. Carls, 76, of Springfield, died Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born January 29, 1942 in Pekin, the son of Ernest G. Carls and Teresa (Hager) Carls.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 43 years, Miriam Carls, of Springfield.  He is also survived by his sister, June Conner; two nieces and nephews, Joe Conner and Jennifer Campbell as well as four grand-nieces and nephews, Kyle, Cameron, Conner and Chloe, all of Beardstown.

He was preceded in death by his parents. His brother-in-law, John Connor, passed away on the same day. With his sister, June, Mr. Carls grew up seventh generation on a family farm near Beardstown.  He was a 1960 graduate of Beardstown High School.  He earned his degree from Lincoln Land Community College and served the State of Illinois Department of Transportation with dedication for 34 years. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Rochester Cemetery with Reverend Allen Kemme officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield, where Mr. Carls attended services with his wife for over 40 years.