Susan Ernste

Susan L. Ernste, age 76, of Faribault, MN peacefully ended her journey here and went to live with God and her husband, Chuck, on Friday, April 26, 2019.  She did so in the comfort of her farm with her three children at her side.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault.  Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.

Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements are with the Parker Kohl Funeral Home of Faribault.

Susan was born on July 11, 1942 in Faribault to Jens and Iona (Anderson) Naseth.  She graduated from Faribault High School with the class of 1960.

Susan met the love of her life on a softball diamond.  Interested but not smitten, she was eventually persuaded by the charismatic Charles “Chuck” Ernste.  They married on November 14, 1964.  For each joke that Chuck told with a hearty laugh, Susan made a witty remark with a wry smile.  They complemented each other perfectly for more than 53 years in this life and will forevermore.

Susan devoted her life to creating joy for others by baking, decorating cakes for every occasion, gardening, raising farm animals, childrearing, and carrying out thoughtful acts of kindness.  While she excelled in all areas of baking, she was particularly amazing at desserts and pies. Her flower gardens provided a unique beauty that mirrored her heart and soul.

Susan was committed to using her life for the betterment of others.  She had a relentless energy in all pursuits.  She always placed the needs of others before her own.  She was resourceful – a most worthy steward of the talents given to her by God.  More than anything, Susan valued spending time with family.

Susan was admired by those who knew her well and respected by all.  She believed in others and guided them to be their best.  Fiercely self-reliant, she provided for her family, herself, and selflessly cared daily for her husband during his final decade. She will be missed intensely.

She is survived by her children, Jeffry (JoAnn) Ernste, Renee Ernste, and Michele (Barry) Hirano; grandchildren, Paige, Peyton, and Bret Ernste, Kaori, Keira, Kaiya, Gabriel, and Keiko Hirano; siblings, Marc (Delcie) Anderson, Dell Luckow, Joan Kiekenapp, Karen Ernste, and Drew (Marilyn) Naseth; many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; parents, Jens and Iona; and brother, Dwight Naseth.