Ernest Walter Grilk, born in Davenport, Iowa, July 25, 1929, passed away February 9 ^th at NW Medical Center, Bentonville, Arkansas.  He was the son of Ernst and Alma Koster Grilk, who met in the Davenport Public School Night English class. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Werner.

Ernest attended Davenport Public Schools, served in the US Navy, then attended Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago, Illinois.  He was winner of the coveted AID (American Institute of Decorators – now known as ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Rorimer Medal in Interior Design and Decoration.

He married Gloria Febro, Fort Smith, Arkansas July 26, 1953, and their children are Karen Christine (Danial), Cynthia Elizabeth (John), and Cornelia Margaret Marie (Robert). They were blessed with Grandchildren: Shaan, Mikhail "Niki", Sofia, Bryan, Carolyn, Neil, and Sarah.

Mr. Grilk established Grilk Interiors (later Grilk Interiors and Fine Arts Gallery). Located in historic Village of East Davenport, Davenport, Iowa, and was instrumental in the work of the partnership with the Historic Society and the State of Iowa, in establishing East Davenport as a Historic Site. His design work was both residential and commercial in style.

He was a member of Davenport Rotary Club participating in Rotary's mentoring program in partnership with local courts, a General Aviation Club located in the Quad City, and a service Club to the YMCA called Y's men. The Grilk family were active in the local Family Y" and the YMCA's service organization, Y's Men and also the International Y's Men organization.  He served often on the committee that brought overseas delegates of Y's Men to the National and International Conventions, offering the overseas delegates a chance to stay in the homes of United States families as the crisscrossed the country, experiencing U.S. Democracy and the important role that volunteer organizations gave to the country.  Many delegates stayed in the Grilk home. The family traveled to the Regional, National, and the International Conventions as Mr. Grilk served as a local, Regional, and international office and represented the international organization in other countries.

Ernest and Gloria joined St. John's United Methodist Church in Davenport, Iowa as a newly married couple, where he served as Chair of various committees, the Administration Board, and was Sunday School teacher of an adult class for approximately 40 years before moving to Bella Vista, Arkansas, and joining Highlands United Methodist church, where he sang in the choir, and occasion, taught a special series of Scripture Lessons.

As an amateur cellist, he participated in local programs and was part of the family's concert celebrating his and Gloria's 50 wedding anniversary.

Ernest was a Life member of Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs and also Opera in the Ozarks, he was a Rose Fay Thomas Fellow in the National Federation of Music Clubs.  He enjoyed photography and participated in the Bella Vista Photography Club's Salons and was a winner in various categories.  He introduced and promoted the black and white photography as part of the yearly Salon.

He enjoyed woodworking and built the 9 foot Grandfather Clock that graces the family home as well as designing furniture that was featured in the Merchandise Mart of Chicago, Illinois.

The graveside service will be at Davenport Memorial Park in Davenport, Iowa on February 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.  There will be a memorial service at Highlands Church, A United Methodist Congregation, in Bella Vista, Arkansas on March 19, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to "Highlands United Methodist Church, Ernest Walter Grilk Memorial Fund", 371 Glasgow Road, Bella Vista, Arkansas 72715

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