Dr. Ernest Nicholes Ahlborn,55, of Wildwood, Missouri went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2022.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Sara Lohutko Ahlborn, and his seven children from a previous marriage, Megan Santiago (Nathan) of Virginia; Christian; Melissa; Christina; Lindsey; Stephen and Jonathan. He is also survived by his parents Ernest S. and Dorothy Nicholes Alhborn and seven siblings, Eric; Gene; Lorraine Sandberg; Lynda Smith; Evan; Leslie Fabian; and Lisa Young. He was preceded in death by grandparents Ernest J & Margaret Stephens Ahlborn and Henry J. & Hildegard Polster Nicholes.

Ernie was born in Provo, Utah on April 21, 1966. He graduated from Twin Falls High School, in Twin Falls, ID. He then attended BYU, graduating with a degree in Psychology followed by a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of South Carolina. He completed his education graduating from the Medical School of South Carolina, post-graduate training in General Surgery at Wake Forest University/Baptist Hospital, and Emergency Medicine at Barnes Jewish Hospital/Washington University.

Words will never do justice to describe Ernie. How does one describe the kindest, most caring, gentlest soul you would ever meet. Ernie was a bright spot in so many lives. The kind of man that would always greet you with a warm smile and even warmer hug never missed an opportunity to tell you how much he appreciated you, and always left you feeling better than before. A truly selfless man, he dedicated his life to service, working to save countless lives as an ER doctor, and pursuing his passion for Integrative Medicine using his training in traditional Allopathic Medicine, graduate training in Exercise Physiology, and training by mentors of Eastern Medicine and Nutrition.

Along with his wife, Sara, Ernie lived life to the fullest. He was always looking forward to an outdoor adventure. Embarking on many excursions, as ship captain he enjoyed sailing to various islands around the Caribbean. Quite possibly his greatest adventure, though, involved his love of skiing, marrying the love of his life and wife of nearly 14 years, atop a ski slope in Park City, Utah. Ernie was also an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed bow hunting, scuba diving, and had a huge passion for mountain biking even going so far as to learn to build his own enduro bike. Ernie had a knack for languages speaking Portuguese fluently and learning Hebrew. He was also a successful high school athlete participating in track and field and was on the state runner-up football team. Although Ernie was a very accomplished man with many varying interests, his main passion was his relationship with Jesus and studying His written word.

Those that knew Ernie will remember the fact that Jesus was most important in his life. Sara, his wife and partner in life, who he adored more than life itself, was his next priority. Ernie loved Sara with a passion that was visible on his face the moment she walked into a room. They had a bond not only in the life they shared together but also in their devotion to Jesus. Ernie extended this love to the rest of his family and their many many rescue dogs, who all felt thoroughly and completely loved and cared for by him. To say Ernie will be immeasurably missed by many is an understatement.

Above all else, Ernie would want the world to know that the only true joy and peace is found in knowing Jesus personally. Ernie’s greatest journey in life was walking away from the LDS faith and finding a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. As with everything Ernie did, he went all-in with his pursuit of a deeper relationship with Jesus. Several years ago, Ernie began his Masters of Divinity at Covenant Seminary, most recently taking Hebrew. He enjoyed studying God’s Word and desired to have the deepest understanding of the Bible as it was originally written. His plan was to one day become a pastor and spread God’s saving grace to as many people as possible.

A celebration of life, including some of Ernie’s favorites; wine and charcuterie, will be held on February 19th from 2-5 pm. If you are planning on attending, please email Ernie’s sister-in-law Amy Wheeler at ALohutko@gmail.com for details on the location.

Ernie was a firm believer in children having a Christian education. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victory Christian Academy in St. Louis, MO.