About Ernie's in Ceresco

History of Ernie’s in Ceresco

Ernest W. Swanson was born on Jan 31, 1919 in the town of Ceresco, Nebraska.

A devoted salesperson, Ernie started selling newspapers as a young boy. Ernie graduated from Ceresco High School in 1936 and attended Midland College at Fremont one year. He remained at home a year to work on Highway 77 as it was being built. Ernie also sold popcorn at free shows, band concerts and summer carnivals to earn his way through college. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln on June 14, 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While at the University, he pitched baseball and lettered three years in athletics.

On June 18, 1942, Ernie married Margie M. Kolb of Yutan, Nebraska. The couple had two children, Mary (1943) and Dean (1948) Swanson.

In 1942, Ernie was drafted into the military service and spent much of that time in Texas in the Air Force and Infantry. He and Margie resided at Shephard Field, Wichita Falls and Gainesville, Texas.

After being discharged from the Army in November, 1946, the couple returned to Ceresco and opened a small IGA grocery store in the center of town. He was an extraordinary businessman and entrepreneur, and one of the first to catch on to the excitement of a new entertainment product - television.

At first, Ernie sold TVs out of his car parked in front of his grocery store. He would put the televisions in the trunk of his 1946 2-door Ford and drive to find the customer. Before long, televisions and then appliances replaced the produce and groceries.

In 1950, Ernie's Store changed its merchandising direction and entered the home furnishings field. Ernie sold the grocery to Roscoe Blodgett in 1956 to devote full energies to home furnishings. He purchased what was formerly known as the old Turney Hall owned by the Mason's, a post office and restaurant building. Ernie added sofas and recliners, carpet and pool tables, and Ernie's in Ceresco - as we know it today - was underway. The business grew extensively. Ernie thrived in his business, and was often seen in the store kitchen cooking for his employees, customers, and friends.

He was also dedicated to his community, a devoted family man, and sports enthusiast. During his spare time, Ernie coached basketball one year at Ceresco High. He also served on the school board for 18 years at Ceresco District 31. He served as president during the building project of the gymnasium, traveling to Washington D.C. to acquire Federal funds for the project. He was an avid sports fan who followed the Big Red football team to all the home and away games.

Additionally, Ernie served on the Ceresco Fire Department many years and was a permanent member of the Ceresco American Legion Post #244 where he served as Commander in 1957. He was a member of the Saunders County Veterans Service Committee.

Through the years, Ernie’s in Ceresco continued to expand its product line as new technology brought about improved innovations to the furnishings industry. Furniture and carpeting lines were added, and the store remodeled several times.

A devastating fire destroyed a warehouse and service department in April, 1978. 

Despite this setback, the area was re-built, and the business continued to grow. Dean Swanson, Ernie's son, entered the management team of the Store after graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a degree in Business and Economics. Ernie's expanded through the years to a physical plant of over 100,000 square feet of warehouse and showrooms. The workforce steadily increased, from approximately 40 employees in the early 1980s to over 90 workers today. Due to Ernie’s appreciation and respect for his employees, the store has experienced wonderful dedication from its employees, with many serving the company for more than 20 years.

Ernie Swanson maintained an active role in the business until he entered into eternal rest on January 7, 1987.

Today, Ernie's in Ceresco is still a closed family Corporation with Margie M. Swanson, Mary Swanson Pack, and Dean W. Swanson as officers of the Corporation. Dean and Beverly’s son, Tyler, joined the company in 1999.

Despite its success as a massive Nebraska retailer, Ernie's in Ceresco has not forgotten its humble roots. Ernie’s is still family owned, still calls Ceresco home, still puts customers first, still serves free popcorn and Pepsi, and the fireplace still welcomes the many repeated customers to the warm atmosphere which has made "Ernie's" a household word for all these years.