Ernest J. "Ernie" Roberts Jr., 71, of Montour, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020 at UnityPoint-Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Traditional Graveside Services will be held Monday, April 6, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement with Glen Roberts as speaker. A Traditional Wake will be held Sunday evening at Glen Roberts' Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.

Ernest was  born on May 2, 1948, in Shawnee, OK,  the son of Ernest and Charlene (Atwell) Roberts Sr.

Ernest served his country in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War.

On June 17, 1977, he married Iris Walker in Des Moines, Iowa. Ernest retired as an Entertainment Director at the Meskwaki Casino.  He enjoyed going to the casino to play the slot machines. He also enjoyed being outside watching the kids play but his greatest joy was time spent with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Iris of Montour; children, Ronnie Roberts of Tama, Shawn (Podowwa) Roberts of Tama, Ira (Lana) Roberts of Tama, Brenton Roberts of Tama, Judith Roberts of Tama; Shannon (Angie) Poafpybitty of Nebraska, and Seandre Roberts of Tama; his stepson,  Ryan Papakee  of Tama; four adopted sons, Keelan Walker, Nick Buffalo, Ian Kapayou, and Spencer Wolf; many grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Dewayne Wilson and Mike Wilson of Oklahoma, and Robin Roberts of Tama.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Ernest Roberts III, and James "Chibby"Roberts; daughter, Patricia Roberts; stepson, Randolf Papakee Jr.; and two sisters, Theresa Roberts and Patricia Wolf.