1947
Joseph
2024
Joseph Donald Ernster, Jr.
January 3, 1947 — April 8, 2024
St. Paul
Joseph Donald Ernster, 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a prolonged battle with heart disease.
Joe was born January 3, 1947 in St. Paul. Joe attended Cretin High School and the University of St. Thomas, where he graduated with a business degree in 1969. Joe was married to Kathleen Stewart, June 6th, 1970. Together they raised 2 children, Melissa and Jim, in Crosby. Joe worked for Scorpion Snowmobiles and later owned and operated a gas station in Crosby.
Joe was so proud of his kids and never would miss any of their athletic events. For Melissa, he was an ardent supporter of her volleyball and track pursuits. Joe was Jim’s biggest fan during his time at Brainerd High School attending all football, hockey, and baseball games. During Jim’s time playing hockey for the University of St.Thomas, Joe was ever present in the stands at the State Fair Coliseum.
Later in life Joe was fortunate enough to meet Sharon Cecere, who later became his devoted fiancée. When Joe was in good health, they enjoyed many adventures. They loved to watch Brainerd-Little Falls Girls hockey games and take drives wherever their heart desired. As Joe’s health waned, Sharon's dedication continued as she served as his primary care giver.
Joe loved spending time with family and friends. Whether that meant his time working at the State Fair to visit with fairgoers or his annual fishing trips for fishing opener or in the fall. During these trips many games of cribbage were played with his cousin, “Chicago Jim”, along with spirited debates to solve the world’s problems.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Inez; daughter, Melissa; and sister, Joni.
He is survived by fiancée, Sharon Cecere; Son, Jim (Jenny) Ernster; granddaughters, Alayna, Jessie, Grace, and Cassie.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 17 at Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, 1414 Dale Street N, St. Paul. Visitation from 9:30-10:30 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Cretin-Derham Hall or the University of St. Thomas.
Joe was born January 3, 1947 in St. Paul. Joe attended Cretin High School and the University of St. Thomas, where he graduated with a business degree in 1969. Joe was married to Kathleen Stewart, June 6th, 1970. Together they raised 2 children, Melissa and Jim, in Crosby. Joe worked for Scorpion Snowmobiles and later owned and operated a gas station in Crosby.
Joe was so proud of his kids and never would miss any of their athletic events. For Melissa, he was an ardent supporter of her volleyball and track pursuits. Joe was Jim’s biggest fan during his time at Brainerd High School attending all football, hockey, and baseball games. During Jim’s time playing hockey for the University of St.Thomas, Joe was ever present in the stands at the State Fair Coliseum.
Later in life Joe was fortunate enough to meet Sharon Cecere, who later became his devoted fiancée. When Joe was in good health, they enjoyed many adventures. They loved to watch Brainerd-Little Falls Girls hockey games and take drives wherever their heart desired. As Joe’s health waned, Sharon's dedication continued as she served as his primary care giver.
Joe loved spending time with family and friends. Whether that meant his time working at the State Fair to visit with fairgoers or his annual fishing trips for fishing opener or in the fall. During these trips many games of cribbage were played with his cousin, “Chicago Jim”, along with spirited debates to solve the world’s problems.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Inez; daughter, Melissa; and sister, Joni.
He is survived by fiancée, Sharon Cecere; Son, Jim (Jenny) Ernster; granddaughters, Alayna, Jessie, Grace, and Cassie.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 17 at Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, 1414 Dale Street N, St. Paul. Visitation from 9:30-10:30 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Cretin-Derham Hall or the University of St. Thomas.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Donald Ernster, Jr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 am (Central time)
Maternity of Mary Catholic Church
Mass
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Starts at 10:30 am (Central time)
Maternity of Mary Catholic Church
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