Ervin Eugene "Blackie" Koerner, age 84, passed away at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas on Saturday, March 29, 2014. He was born on June 11, 1929 in Hays the son of Alex P and Evelyn Bieker Koerner.

He was a farmer and stockman, even after retirement he considered himself a farmer through and through. He graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy, Hays, in 1948. He was an avid athlete competing in any sport he could find especially football, basketball, track, and boxing. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ness City and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree.

On May 12, 1949 he married Helen Haas at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, four sons, Larry (Kathy), Crete, Nebraska; Dennis (Karen), Garden City; Kenneth, Ness City; and Greg Koerner, Dodge City; seven daughters, Barbara (Larry) Bieker, Hays, Dorothy Stieben, Hays, Donna (Rob) Metzker, Ness City, Mary Ellen (Eldon) Stoecklein, Hays, Karen (Jerry) Casey, Plainville, Laura (Kevin) House, El Dorado, and Janice (Adam) Showalter, Alexander; one sister, Betty Staab, Plainville; 39 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Patricia Koerner and son-in-law, LaVerne Stieben.

Friends may call on Monday, March 31, 2014 from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. and on Tuesday from 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Rosary and Parish vigil will be at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City on Tuesday, April 1, 2014, 6:30 P.M. Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, 2:00 P.M. at the church. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays at 5:30 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Sacred Heart School, Ness City or Thomas More Prep – Marian, Hays. Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by clicking on the "Sign Guest Book" link above.