Dorothy Ernste

Dorothy M. “Dot” Ernste, age 93 of Faribault, MN passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Northfield Long Term Care Center following an extended illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive in Faribault with Fr. Kevin Kenney officiating.  Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.

Dorothy Martha, the daughter of Clarence and Loretta (Bauer) Bauer, was born on February 26, 1925 in Cannon City Township, Rice County, MN.  She attended Country School and later would attend Faribault Vocational School.  As a young girl Dorothy grew up on their family farm in Cannon City Township and at the age of 18 began working at St. Mary’s Hall.  On June 13, 1946 she was united in marriage to Anton “Archie” Ernste at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.  They raised their family in rural Rice County. Archie preceded her in death on May 9, 1985.  On November 11, 1989 she married Bernard A. Maas.  He also preceded her in death on February 14, 1997.  Dorothy worked for various businesses in Faribault including, Control Data, Wilson’s Butter Room and retired from the Treasure Cave.  She came out of retirement when Faribault Dairy started again at the caves and worked for a short time.  In retirement she worked many years at the American Legion Post 43.  Dorothy enjoyed crocheting, sewing, gardening, canning, dancing and playing cards.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the DAV Auxiliary and the Divine Mercy CCW.

She is survived by her children, Steve (Pat) Ernste of Faribault, Tony (Lavonne) Ernste of Waterville, MN, Mary Ann Thomas of Apple Valley, MN and Marlene (Tom) Ernste Reineke of Faribault; by seven grandchildren and many great grandchildren; by five siblings, Maynard (Diana) Bauer of Arizona, Kenneth Bauer of Owatonna, MN, Gary (Mary) Bauer of Faribault, Dennis (Karen) Bauer of Waterville, MN and Bernice McKusik of Stacy, MN; by her brother-in-law, John (Muggs) Ernste of Northfield, MN; by four sisters-in-law, Susan Ernste of Faribault, Carol Ernste of Faribault, Karen Ernste of Wisconsin and Marna Bauer of Waterville, MN and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, son, Ralph Ernste, sister, Lorraine Welcome, three brothers, Clarence Jr. “Lucky”, Hubert and Donald Bauer and by many brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.