Marie Ernste

Marie Elizabeth Ernste, age 88 of Faribault, MN, died on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the District One Hospital in Faribault following an extended illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, in Faribault. Interment will be held at the St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault.

Memorial visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers that memorials be directed to Divine Mercy Catholic Church in memory of Marie.

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

Marie was born on November 16, 1928, to Thomas and Adelaide (McDonald) Delesha at their home in Richland Township, Rice County, Minnesota. She married Adolph Ernste on November 10, 1948, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Richland Township, and together they farmed in Cannon City Township.

Marie's life was centered on her Catholic faith and her family, and she devoted her life to raising and caring for her 14 children.

A kind and gentle woman, Marie offered her heart and friendship to many. Anyone who ever visited her on the farm was treated to warm hospitality, good conversation, and most importantly - something to eat. Marie was a wonderful cook and baker, and she rarely let anyone leave her presence without encouraging them to have something to eat. She particularly loved desserts, and although her homemade raised donuts were legendary, her personal favorite was always pie.

A hard worker and talented homemaker, Marie had an exceptional green thumb and loved caring for her flower and vegetable gardens. She took great joy and pride in her 41 grandchildren and 62 great-grandchildren, and she especially loved visits and updates from them.

A deeply devout Catholic, Marie leaned heavily on her faith and could often be found with a rosary in her hand.

She was tremendously loved and cared for by her family, and she will be deeply missed.

She is survived by five daughters, Judy (Donald) Graunke, Carol (Tom) Drewitz, Debbie (John) Bellingham, Connie (Scott) Caron, and Peggy (Bill) Keilen; by six sons, Ken (Carol) Ernste, Duke (MaryLou) Ernste, Al (Ann) Ernste, Gordy (Mary) Ernste, Randy (Sue) Ernste and Pat (Sherri) Ernste: by 41 grandchildren and 62 great grandchildren; by daughter-in-law Michelle Sorgatz and son-in-law Michael David; and by two sisters, Charlene Hanson and Patricia Greer and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph, in 1996; son Gerald (Chip) in 1973; son Theodore (Ted) in 1981; daughter Jean (Jane) in 2001; and grandson Michael David in 2000. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Thomas and Adelaide; two brothers, Raymond Sr. and Thomas Jr.; and three sisters, Evelyn (Mae) Richie, Alice (Alley) Elzen, and Elizabeth (Betty) Ernste.