Cemetery: Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon.
Visitation: The family will meet with friends Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon.
Service: Funeral services will be Monday, December 16, 2013, at 10:30 A.M. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa.

Ernest Albert Kulla, the son of Franz and Mina (Minert) Kulla, was born July 12, 1926, at his parents' home in Manning, Iowa, and died December 11, 2013, at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa, at the age of 87 years, 4 months, and 29 days. Ernie was baptized and the Trinity Lutheran Church northwest of Audubon (note: this church was moved to Manning Heritage Park) and later confirmed as an adult at St. John's Lutheran Church in Audubon.

He attended Audubon Community Schools in Audubon and graduated while in the United States Army Air Corps. On January 1, 1945, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp where he was a gunner and mechanic. He was honorably discharged on August 4, 1946. Ernie then returned to Audubon where he was employed as a mechanic and welder.

On June 4, 1951, he was united in marriage to Julia (Judy) Jane Miller at the First Christian Church in Audubon. One son Craig was born to this union. He was employed for Earl Lucas for a number of years as a mechanic. He then was employed with Emmert Manufacturing as a welder for numerous years until they closed.

Ernie moved to the Friendship Home in March of 2011. Judy died October 1, 2011. Ernie was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. He was a member of the Audubon Fire Department where he volunteered for over 50 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #120 Audubon, Iowa and an associate member of the Dale Christensen Post #4119, V.F.W. in Audubon. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Audubon until they disbanded.

Ernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping, but most of all he loved being on the fire department.

Ernest was preceded in death by his wife Judy Kulla; his parents; his brother Walter Kulla; his sister Wanda and husband Gene King; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Laura Jean and husband Clarence Remele; Karl and wife Maxine Miller; and Shirley and husband Orville (Corky) Railsback. Survivors include his son Craig and wife Nancy Kulla of Audubon, Iowa; his grandson Joshua and wife Suzanne Kulla of Audubon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.