Ernest Krabbenhoft

Ernest F. Krabbenhoft III of rural Argusville, ND passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024 on the family farm.

Ernie was born Jan 18, 1939 in Moorhead, MN to Ernest Jr. and Frances (Lewis) Krabbenhoft. Known by his family as "Sonny", he grew up at Sabin, MN and graduated from the Crookston (MN) Ag School. He attended NDSU for a short time and served in the ND Air National Guard. He started farming at a young age with his father before establishing his own farm first near Prosper, ND and soon moved West of Argusville in 1966. He also served as a ND brand inspector at the West Fargo Stockyards which he really enjoyed.

Ernie met Bette Cramer from Amenia, ND while cruising Broadway in Fargo in his 1956 Dodge Royal Lancer. They were married in 1961 and raised one daughter, Jayne. Ernie enjoyed riding horse, collecting cars, and old tractors.  He liked to spend time in his "Shipwreck Saloon" at the lake, listening to Bob Marley or the Amazing Rhythm Aces and taking out his boat. Some of Ernie's very best times, though, were at his Killdeer cabin, checking on the land and fences, riding across the hills and having a Bud Light or Black Velvet with the cowboys out there. 

Their farm was established as Valle Grain Farms. They gradually developed a diversified grain farm and seed business and grew over the years, oats, barley, wheat, edibles and soybeans. Ernie was among the early American Crystal Sugar beet growers. In his early years he raised Quarter Horses, ran some cattle, competed in rodeo events, and showed horses.    Later he was one of the trustees of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Bette; daughter, Jayne (Nathan); grandson, Hank who he thought was the greatest kid ever; three siblings, Carolyn Pankow, Kathrynn (Mark) Gunderson and Charles (Denise) Krabbenhoft; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald.

Special thanks to Ernie's caregivers, who became friends, who gave their time and kindness which allowed him to stay on the farm. The family will be forever grateful to each of them – especially, Theresa Wilson and Abdoulaye Sacko.

Ernie’s final shop gathering will be held at the Krabbenhoft Farm on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 2 to 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted to your favorite charity, ND Cowboy Hall of Fame or Ernie also had a special place for the Native American and Veteran organizations.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

ND Cowboy Hall of Fame  -  250 Main Street - Medora, ND  58645

https://northdakotacowboy.org/donations/

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.