Steven A. Ernste

Steven A. Ernste, age 76 of Faribault, MN passed away Monday, October 21, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. 

Steven Anton, the son of Archie and Dorothy (Bauer) Ernste was born on January 22, 1948 in Faribault. He attended Bethlehem Academy High School and graduated with the class of 1966. Following high school Steve served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1970 and then attended Faribault Vocational College. On September 25, 1971 he was united in marriage to Pat Johnson at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault. Steve worked for over 32 years for the City of Faribault. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially with his grandchildren and they were often subject to his great sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time at their cabin, fishing, hunting, golfing and card playing. He was a Past Commander at the American Legion Post 43 and a member of the Moose Lodge 2098, both in Faribault.  

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pat Ernste of Faribault, MN; by his children, Bob (Tanya) Ernste of Faribault, MN and Sara (Jeremy) Standke of Medford, MN; by four grandchildren, Kayla, Corbyn, Griffin (Skylyn) and Collin (and special friend, Isabelle Huizel); by his siblings, Tony (Lavonne) Ernste of Elysian, MN, MaryAnn (Steve) Patee of Faribault, MN and Marlene (Tom) Reineke of Faribault, MN; by his mother-in-law, Virginia Johnson of Faribault, MN; by his brothers-in-law, Mike (Janna) Johnson of Cave Creek, AZ, Bob (Rose) Johnson, Paul Johnson and Nort (Shelly) Johnson, all of Faribault, MN; by his sister-in-law, Barb (Bill) Parks of Grapevine, TX and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother in infancy, Ralph Ernste and by his father-in-law, Norton Johnson. 

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault with Bernadette Tatge, Pastoral Minister at Divine Mercy Catholic Church officiating. Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Organization. 

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home on Thursday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

The family prefers that memorials be directed to Brighton Hospice or the American Legion Post 43 in memory of Steve.