Ernest R. Sebby was born on October 12, 1917, in the rural town of Fingal, North Dakota. Torger and Ragna (Rensby) Sebby raised Ernest with strong values rooted in community, faith, and perseverance. Raised alongside his siblings—Alfred, Martin, Oscar, Carl, Agnes, and Clara—Ernest grew up during a transformative period in American history, marked by the aftermath of World War I, the Great Depression, and the buildup to World War II.
He grew up in Fingal, shaped by the strong ties of a close-knit community and the daily demands of rural life. These surroundings instilled in Ernest a profound sense of discipline, humility, and duty—traits that would later define both his military and civilian careers. He graduated from Valley City High School and then pursued higher education at North Dakota State University in Fargo. His academic journey laid the foundation for the leadership roles he would eventually take on in service to his country.
A Call to Serve
With the outbreak of World War II, Ernest joined millions of young Americans in answering the nation’s call to service. In 1942, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps—an era before the establishment of the independent U.S. Air Force. Recognizing his aptitude and potential, the military selected him for officer training, a rare and prestigious opportunity at the time.
Ernest was sent to Yale University, where the U.S. Army Air Forces operated an intensive officer training program. This program trains skilled leaders to navigate the rapidly evolving challenges of aerial warfare. At Yale, he trained as a communications cadet, studying under a curriculum that combined technical instruction, military strategy, and leadership development. He earned his commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Air Forces on March 4, 1943.
Ernest’s military career progressed rapidly. He served as an assistant communications officer with the 9th Heavy Bombardment Processing Headquarters at Grand Island Army Air Base in Nebraska and earned a promotion to first lieutenant on January 13, 1944. His responsibilities included overseeing the flow of critical information across units—a vital role in the execution of successful air missions.
The experience he gained during this time was both challenging and formative. The war demanded constant vigilance, quick decision-making, and a commitment to the safety and efficiency of operations. Ernest rose to meet these challenges with professionalism and resolve, earning the respect of his peers and superiors. His service during World War II left an enduring impression on him and deeply shaped his worldview.
A Life of Love and Family
On August 22, 1943, in the midst of his military service, Ernest married Fern Swanson of Loup City, Nebraska, in Grand Island. Their marriage was a cornerstone of his life, offering him stability and companionship through turbulent times. Together, they built a home filled with love, values, and a deep commitment to family.
After the war, Ernest and Fern settled in Beatrice, Nebraska, where they raised their children and contributed actively to the life of the community. Ernest became an electrical contractor, beginning work in 1948 and continuing in that profession until his passing in 1995. Known for his integrity, reliability, and skill, he earned respect in both his profession and his neighborhood.
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The couple had four children. Their daughters were Karen Higgins, who is married to Gary and lives in Beatrice, and Kathryn Sebby of Mission, South Dakota. Their sons were Dr. Kenneth Sebby, married to Pamela and living in Palm Desert, California, and Leslie Sebby, married to Doris and living in Lincoln, Nebraska. Ernest and Fern’s legacy also includes a large and loving family of grandchildren. These grandchildren—Alex and Max Sebby of Palm Desert, Matthew and Stephanie Marquardt of Beatrice, and Stephanie, Kristie, and Bradley Sebby of Lincoln—each carried forward the values they inherited from their grandfather.
Service Beyond the Battlefield
Though his active-duty service ended in 1945, Ernest’s dedication to his country did not. He remained in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, ultimately retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. This rank, proudly inscribed on his grave marker, stands as a testament to decades of steadfast service.
Beyond the military, Ernest was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice. He served as an elder and was deeply involved in the church’s mission and activities. Faith was a guiding force in his life, and he brought to his religious community the same commitment and humility that defined his military and professional work.
Ernest was also a member of several civic and fraternal organizations. He belonged to the BPO Elks Lodge 619, Lodge 26 AF & AM (a Masonic lodge), and the Bitting-Norman Post 27 of the American Legion. These affiliations reflected his belief in the importance of fellowship, service, and contributing to causes greater than oneself.
Ernest R. Sebby: A Man Remembered
Ernest R. Sebby passed away on Saturday, September 16, 1995, at Beatrice Community Hospital at the age of 77. His death marked the end of a life richly lived, but his memory continues to be honored by those who knew and loved him.
The First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice held his memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 20. Dr. Jimmy Shelbourn officiated the service, which expressed gratitude, love, and remembrance. The family held a private burial afterwards, and visitors gathered at Harman-Wright Mortuary.
His bronze grave marker, simple yet dignified, reads:
- ERNEST R SEBBY
- LT COL US AIR FORCE
- WORLD WAR II
- OCT 12 1917 – SEP 16 1995
The cross etched between the dates stands as a quiet but powerful symbol of his faith and values.
Family Roots and Personal Connections
Ernest’s life was woven into the fabric of many lives. He was a brother to Thelma Oviatt (married to Jim) of Borrego Springs, California, and Rosemary Stephens (married to Fred) of Fingal, North Dakota. Norman Sebby (married to Helen) of Borrego Springs, along with numerous nieces and nephews, also survived Ernest.
Moreover, his parents, Torger and Ragna Sebby; his brothers Alfred, Martin, Oscar, and Carl, and his sisters Agnes Thompson and Clara Esby, preceded him in death. Each of these individuals helped shape Ernest’s early life and shared in the legacy of a family deeply rooted in faith, resilience, and love.
Lessons and Legacy
Throughout his life, Ernest Sebby exemplified the virtues of honor, dedication, and humility. His service during World War II reflects the selflessness of the Greatest Generation—people who answered the call during one of history’s darkest hours. Yet what made Ernest remarkable was not just his military service but the way he carried those values into his everyday life.
He was a man who believed in doing things the right way. Whether it meant ensuring a church fundraiser ran smoothly, completing an electrical job with excellence, or quietly supporting neighbors in times of need, he always gave his best. Ernest’s life reminds us that true greatness often lies in small acts of service, the quiet strength of character, and the unwavering commitment to family and community.
To his children and grandchildren, he was more than a veteran or a professional—he was a source of wisdom, comfort, and inspiration. His stories, shared around kitchen tables or during family gatherings, offered insight into history, perseverance, and the importance of always doing your best.
A Tribute That Lives On
As time moves forward and new generations grow, the legacy of Ernest R. Sebby remains a guiding light. His life, captured in newspaper tributes, military honors, and the memories of loved ones, continues to inspire. In telling his story, we honor not only a man but a way of life—a way defined by commitment, honor, and heart.
Ernest R. Sebby’s service to his country, dedication to his family, and faith-driven community leadership offer a blueprint for living a meaningful life. Remembering Ernest reminds us of the quiet heroes all around us—those who serve without seeking recognition, love without condition, and live with purpose every day.
