Ernest R. Voorhees

Ernest R. Voorhees, 94, of Oppenheim, New York, passed away peacefully, early Wednesday morning, August 26, 2020 at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in St. Johnsville, New York.

He was born on November 13, 1925 in Oppenheim, New York and was the son of the late, Raymond and Elsie (Brown) Voorhees. Ernie was educated at one room schoolhouses in Oppenheim. 

On September 11, 1954, Ernie was united in marriage to the former, Diane A. May at the Lassellsville Methodist Church. The couple shared a blessed union of 47 years until Mrs. Voorhees passed away on June 22, 2002.

Ernie was a life long farmer as he owned and operated the family farm, Windy Acres Farm on Crum Creek Road in the Town of Oppenheim, New York. He ran the farm with his wife and three children. After retiring from the farm, Ernie went to work for Case Agway from 1981-1992.  Shortly thereafter, he worked the remainder of his employment with Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School as a custodian and bus driver, retiring in 2004 after 10 years of service.

He was of the Methodist Faith and was a member of the Oppenheim United Methodist Church as well as a Charter Member of the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Department member since 1954, where he helped build both the Church and the Fire Department,  a 50+ year member of the Dolgeville Masonic Temple, Lodge #796, Free & Accepted Masons, and Senior Citizens of Western Fulton County.  Ernie also held positions as Oppenheim Town Assessor and voting machine custodian. 

In his spare time, Ernie enjoyed traveling with his wife, playing cards with friends,  family picnics and snowmobiling.  His most precious time was spent in the company of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sister.  He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and community.

Ernie is survived by his two beloved daughters, Vicki DeNinno of Oppenheim, New York, and Lisa Ploss and her husband, Brad of Oppenheim, NY; a special daughter in law, Amy Voorhees of Oppenheim, NY; eight loving grandchildren, Kelly Voorhees of Oppenheim, NY, Kathy Glanovsky and her husband, Jeffrey of Manheim, NY, Kristy Buccolo and her husband, Michael of Oppenheim, NY, Kayla Norris and her husband, Robert of Oppenheim, NY, Scott DeNinno, Jr. and his wife, Rebecca of Oppenheim, NY, Jodi DeNinno Familo of Lewisville, TX, Brandon Ploss of Stephenville, TX, and Lindsay Barton and her husband, Ryan of Andover, NH; nine cherished great-grandchildren; and a special sister, Erma Voorhees of Oppenheim, NY.

He was predeceased by a beloved son, Richard "Rick" E. Voorhees on August 2, 2010, a brother, William Leavenworth in 1967, a sister, Bertha Voorhees in 1994 and a special friend, Betty Johnson in 2016.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, where members of the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Department will honor Ernie by standing guard and offer their "Last Bell" service at the closing of calling hours.  A funeral service will be held on immediately following calling hours on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, with Pastor Anthony Bradseth officiating.  Procession will follow to Rural Park Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his wife, Diane.  Due to the current health situation, please wear a face mask and social distancing procedures will be followed.

The Voorhees family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their kind and compassionate care that was shown to Ernie during his stay.

Please consider memorial contributions for the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Department, 6786 State Highway 29, St. Johnsville, New York 13452 or the Oppenheim United Methodist Church, c/o Linda Duesler, 6582 State Highway 29, St. Johnsville, New York 13452.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Voorhees Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the online guest book.

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