Lily Ernst Memorial Fund

Lily Anne Ernst, beloved daughter, friend and collegiate swimmer passed away unexpectedly July 27, 2022. She was 20 years old.

Lily was an amazing young woman with the heart of a champion, a driven personality, and a passion for perfection. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and human rights. Lily was a champion of the underdog, and always encouraged others and lifted them up. She volunteered for the food bank and volunteered to teach young children to swim. Lily held a very competitive edge that enabled her to succeed at everything she put her mind to. Her exceptionally high standards allowed her to focus that drive into setting records at West High and at UNI, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in Social Work and Mental Health. Lily had a huge amount of compassion and love for the world around her. Lily could bake a cake, fix a car, mow the lawn, create beautiful friendship bracelets, teach her puppies tricks, and teach an old fat man (her dad) how to swim. She loved her parents and siblings endlessly.

She also loved her animals, and always had the desire for one more dog.

The pain we feel in Lily’s passing is unfathomable. However, her memories and love of life will be carried on through all who love her.

This memorial fund will be used to help others through their battles with mental health and animal shelter/rescue in honor of all her puppies, but especially her very own dog Wilson, whom Lily rescued from a shelter.