Ernest Minke, 88
Ernest William Minke, age 88, of Hudson, formerly of Hammond, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Region's Hospital in St. Paul, following a brief illness/fall.
Ernest William Minke, age 88, of Hudson, formerly of Hammond, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Region's Hospital in St. Paul following a brief illness/fall.
Ernie was born on July 15, 1923, in St. Paul, the son of William and Emma (Gabert) Minke. He was raised in North St. Paul where he attended school. As a young man he enlisted in the Armed Forces where he proudly served in the United States Army. He earned recognition as a sharpshooter and was a member of Special Forces prior to being honorably discharged as a master sergeant. He was a member of Golden Gloves boxing in the Army. On June 7, 1952, he was united in marriage to Fay Whaley in Wyoming, Minn. This union would be further blessed with seven children. He worked as a drywall taper on commercial new construction for Seamless Drywall in Golden Valley/Minneapolis. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the Union, Local 61. Fay and Ernie later owned and operated the Hammond Hotel for several years and made many friends.
If you knew Ernie, he was a fun-loving man who appreciated the companionship of others. Whether he knew you or not, you were fair game to be "razzed," joked with, or even given a nickname. He enjoyed softball and bowling, dancing with his wife, a game or two of cribbage, and cheering on the Vikings, but mostly he loved family doings, cookouts, and especially watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports and bowl.
Ernie will remain in the hearts of his children, Mary Ellen (Steve), Kenneth "Putski," Chuck (Julie), Bud, Deb, Rose, and Jojo; grandchildren, Matt, Carrie, Tony, Billie Jo, Jaime (Josh), Joe (Maggie), Dan, Jenny, Bri, and Aric; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers Floyd and Don (Shirley); brothers/sisters-in-law Marlene, Marion, Paul, Butch, Nancy, Carol, Randy, LuLu, and Nancy; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Fay; and siblings Irene, Bud, Dorothy, Elmer, and Kenny.
A Celebration of Life will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, with a brief service and full military honors provided by the Hudson VFW and American Legion at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson. Private interment will be at the Oakdale Cemetery in North St. Paul at a later date.
Funeral services have been entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.
Tags: obituaries
Sign the guestbook (1 comment)
Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.
RSS Feeds
sheila c.
To the Minke family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jamie, your grandpa was a very generous and loving person, who be missed very much. Remember him in good times. The Calvert family, Jim, Sheila, Courtney & JackHastings, MN 12/22/2011 7:33 PM
Report a Violation