Russell "Ernie" Ernst

Russell Ernst, 67, Horace, ND, peacefully passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND, after complications from COPD.

Russell (Ernie or Russ) was born June 22, 1956, at St. Ansgar Hospital, Moorhead, MN, to Clayton and Phyllis (Zeeb) Ernst. He was raised in West Fargo, ND and graduated from West Fargo High School. While in high school Russ was a star basketball player for the West Fargo Packers and worked for Dan’s Oil & Service where he made some lifelong friends.

Russell married Shirley Kastenbauer on September 11, 1976. Together, they have three children Jennifer, Dave, and Lindsey. They lived in West Fargo until moving to Horace in 1990. He worked mostly in manufacturing as a welder and fabricator.  As a family, he enjoyed camping trips and fishing.

Russ loved people and could make a friend with anyone, anytime or anywhere. He was an avid Sportsman. Russ was always ready for hunting every fall, played softball in the summer and fishing all year on water or ice. He was a true Vikings, Bison, and Twins fan. He enjoyed watching sports.

Russell is survived by his wife, Shirley; his mother, Phyllis;  children, Jennifer (Dustin) Ernst, Horace, Dave (Jenny) Ernst, Horace, and Lindsey (Matt) Ernst, West Fargo; grandchildren, Whitney (Jesse), Mason, Lyla, Levi, Makenna, Logan and Braydon; great-grandchildren, Norah, Reid, and Briar; sisters, Sherri Vokenroth, West Fargo and Natalie Lothspeich, Miles City, MT; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clayton Ernst; grandparents and best friend, Curt Holmlund.

The family would like anyone attending to wear Minnesota Vikings or camouflage attire.

Celebration of Life Service:  Saturday, August 19, 2023, 2:30 pm at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

Burial: Will be held at a later date.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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