Darlene Ernst, 76

Darlene Phyllis (Scherer) Ernst, 76, died Friday, February 10, 2012 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Darlene was born May 17, 1935 in Mobridge, South Dakota to Samuel and Mary (Ditter) Scherer. She grew up in Timberlake, SD where she graduated high school. Darlene attended the College of St. Mary’s in Winona for three years and then later in life earned an LPN degree from Alexandria Technical College.

On September 17, 1955 Darlene was united in marriage to William ‘Bill’ Ernst; together they raised seven children. They lived in Madison, WI where they started their family. Over the years they lived in Sparta, WI, Owatonna, MN and in 1974 bought a home on Lake L’Homme Dieu in Alexandria.

Darlene loved her family and friend gatherings; she always offered an open door. Her favorite pastime was playing games, i.e., bridge, pinochle, 500, Scrabble, Boggle, Skip-Bo, puzzles, and the list goes on. She enjoyed working in the garden, sewing and knitting. She was also an avid reader. Darlene took a few adventure trips even later in life; she went rafting down the Grand Canyon at the age of 65 and dog sledding and canoeing in the Boundary Waters at the age of 72.

Darlene was very involved with her church and community. Her schedule included birthday club, Bible study, church ladies (Belles of St Mary’s), and countless bridge clubs. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her sons, James (Deb) of Brooklyn Park, Bo (Lynda) of Mankato, Greg (Kim) of Northfield, and Tom of Alexandria; her daughters, Mary (Randy) Sullivan of Eugene, OR, Nancy (George) Varughese of Plano, TX and Karen (Brad) Nicholas of St Paul; grandchildren, Maria (Andy), Anna, Mike, Nick, Jesse, Amie, Garrod, Kaden, Natasha and Elizabeth; brothers, the Rev. Gerald Scherer of Rapid City, SD, Clifford (Edie) of Milford, MI; and sister, Louise Hensel of Milford, MI.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, William ‘Bill’ Ernst; infant son, Joseph; parents, Samuel and Mary; and brothers, Wallace and Bernard.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, February 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Father Steve Binsfeld officiating. Interment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Casket bearers were Jim, Bo, Greg, Tom, Mike, Nick, Garrod and Kaden Ernst.

Darlene’s chosen memorials are ALS Foundation – Minnesota Chapter, St Mary’s Church in Alexandria and the Sisters of Mercy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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