Harlan Arthur Ernst

Harlan Arthur Ernst, 74, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Lake Region Healthcare, Fergus Falls.

He was born June 22, 1941 in Barnesville, MN, to Louis and Harriet (Egge) Ernst. He attended Barnesville public school and Morris Ag, in Morris, MN. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, TX. He attended McHenry Community College in Illinois, and through the years took Real Estate and other classes.

On June 11, 1966, he married Ruth Ann McMahon at the Zion Lutheran Church in McHenry, Illinois. After their marriage they resided in Crystal Lake and Wonder Lake, Ill.

He worked with the Sheetmetal Workers Local #265 (HVAC), in house building and operated the Ready Mix plant for 10 years. He was also an over-the-road owner and operator truck driver. In 2005 the couple retired to Rothsay, where he continued his hobbies and remodeled several places.

He was a member of EAA, AOPA, the Elks and the Moose Lodges. His hobbies included airplanes and flying, old cars, reading and web surfing. He also enjoyed building houses and built several homes.

On Saturday, April 30, 2016 he married Marlene Fick Wilde at their home in Fergus Falls.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Ruth Ann, who died on November 23, 2006, brothers, Kenwood and Rodney Ernst.

He is survived by his wife Marlene of Fergus Falls; brother, Robert (Donna) Ernst of Barnesville, MN; sisters, Bette Gleason of St. Paul, MN, Kathleen Ernst of Hawley; step children: Renee (Kerry) Lemke of Fergus Falls and their children Taylor and Miranda, Kristi (Don) Parrish of Chaska, MN and Jeff Wilde of Underwood, MN.

Memorials are preferred to the Lake Region Cancer Care and Research Center.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at Olson Funeral Home
Service: 10:30 AM on Monday, May 9, 2016 at the Olson Funeral Home Chapel
Clergy: Reverend Jennifer Rose
Interment: St. John Cemetery in Elizabeth, MN