Obituary of Ernestine Erickson

Ernestine E. Erickson, born November 14, 1928, formerly of Wayzata and  Minnetonka, MN, peacefully passed in her sleep on the morning of Tuesday March 5, 2024 at the Benedictine Living Community Center in Duluth, MN.

Ernie grew up in Golden Valley, MN during the difficult times of the Great Depression. This instilled a solid work ethic and a dedication for achievement. As a young girl she sold gladiolas on Hennepin Avenue to help support her family’s Golden Valley gladiola/horse farm. She was the valedictorian of her high school and became Queen of the annual Golden Valley Lilac Celebration and Parade.

Ernestine graduated from the University of MN with a Bachelor’s Degree after which she became an elementary school teacher before devoting her time to raising her three sons. During this time, she enjoyed being President of the Wayzata Elementary PTA. In later years she again academically applied herself at the University of Minnesota to earn a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Communications.

Ernie loved to read and discuss philosophy, enjoyed golf, hiking, skiing, gardening, and nature. She had an incomparable green thumb. She partnered with her husband, Don, as co-developer of multiple condominium and townhouse projects at Jackson Hole, Wyoming’s Teton Village. And, boy, could she “work a room” with grace, enthusiasm, genuine friendliness and a smile that would light up any gathering.

With the grace of God and Ernie’s own tenacity, she overcame bouts of depression, addiction and cancer. Her last chapter was filled with many years of peace and quiet, joy and harmony.

Ernestine was a highly regarded talent in the field of gourmet cuisine. One of her family’s favorite presentations was a French Cassoulet with wild pheasant, Canadian goose and duck (brought to her kitchen by Don’s hunting talents). One of Ernie’s greatest trailblazing achievements and recognition of her talent, was her election to become the first woman President of the Minneapolis Chapter of the International Wine and Food Society.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald M. Erickson, three brothers, as well as life-long friend Joanne Buie (Edina, MN).

Ernie is happily remembered and cherished by her sons Doug (Nancy), David (Mären) and James (Sophia), her granddaughters Sarah (Jeff) Remakel, Berit, Svea, her great grandchildren Bennett and Naomi, her sister-in-law Arlene Held, and her many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank St. Ann’s Residence, the Benedictine Health Center Safe Harbor, and the St. Croix Hospice organization for allowing Ernie to have lived her best life.

Mom is on her way west to rest in the shadows of the Grand Teton mountains with her husband Don.