Ernie Mauskemo, 76, of Tama, passed away Friday, April 28, 2017 at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama. Traditional Graveside Services will be held Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the McIntosh Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Homer Bear Jr. as speaker. A Traditional Wake will be held Saturday evening at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement.

Ernie was born on August 29, 1940, on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama, Iowa, the son of Harry and Jessica (Morgan) Mauskemo.

He graduated from Tama High School and attended Parsons College in Fairfield for one year. He then served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

On July 22, 1966, he married Sharon K. Kapayou in Webster, SD and they moved to Minot, ND and Kincheloe, MI, living on Air Force Bases. Ernie was a retired heavy equipment operator for the Meskwaki Tribe. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed bowling, softball, and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon of Tama; one son, Todd Mauskemo of Tama; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son, Ernie Jr.; his brothers, Clement, Alexander, Harry Jr., Marvel, and an infant brother, Lester; his sisters, Lula, Dorothy, Lillian, Jane, and Mamie.