Clifford O. Ernst

Clifford O. Ernst, 88, of Lake Park, MN died Saturday, April 26, 2014 in SunnySide Care Center, Lake Park, MN.

Clifford Oscar Ernst was born on August 10, 1925 in Barnesville, MN, to Oscar and Hazel Shaff Ernst. He grew up in Barnesville, later moving with his family to Lake Park. In 1944, Clifford enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in the South Pacific during WWII. Upon returning from the war, Clifford farmed with his father. On August 29, 1952 he married Clarice Noben in Lake Park Lutheran Church. They made their home first in Lake Park, then Hawley before moving to Carrington, ND in 1957. While living in Carrington, he repaired televisions and juke boxes. In 1962 they moved back to Lake Park, where Clifford started farming again. In 1965 Clifford and Clarice won the Becker County Soil Conservation Award. After his farming career, he worked as a mechanic for an implement dealer and also worked for many area farmers.

Clifford enjoyed archery, hunting and playing baseball. He was a pitcher for the American Legion baseball team for many years in his youth. He also had a HAM radio license and enjoyed computers later in life. He was a member of Lake Park Lutheran Church and the American Legion in Lake Park.

Clifford is survived by his wife of 61 years, Clarice, Lake Park, MN; daughter, Deb Arlo Rude Ernst, Thief River Falls, MN; two sisters, Irene Wouters and Shirley Vincent Haugen, both of Moorhead, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Ida Brandt, Helen Rosenfeldt and Pearle Cook.

Visitation: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Lake Park, MN.

Funeral: Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in Lake Park Lutheran Church, Lake Park, MN.

Interment: Lake Park Cemetery, Lake Park, MN.