Donna Ernst

Donna Ernst, 74, of Barnesville, MN, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, at Sanford Hospice House.

Donna AnnMarie Edlund, known as Punky to family and friends, was born on July 16, 1950, in Breckenridge, MN, to Donald and Ella (Hoime) Edlund. Donna spent her formative years attending Wolverton Elementary and graduating from Breckenridge High School in 1968.

Donna married Pete Nichols on November 20, 1968, in Wilkin County. They made their home in Dilworth, MN, and later moved to Billings, MT. Donna and Pete were blessed with two children, Lori and Jamie.

Donna moved back to Barnesville, MN, and was united in marriage to Robert Ernst on July 28, 1984. Donna and Bob were blessed with the birth of their son, Shaun.

Throughout her career, Donna has been known for her dedication and warmth, working as a salesperson at ABC Seamless and as a salesclerk at Sears, as well as waitressing at the Eagle Cafe in Barnesville.

Donna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Robert Ernst; sons Jamie Nichols of Lake City, Florida, Shaun (Dusty) Ernst of Moorhead, MN; step-sons Kevin (Vicki) Ernst of West Fargo, Jason (Angie) Ernst of Barnesville; grandchildren Jeremiah (Simone) Ernst, Breandan (fiancé, Katie) Ernst, Alyssa Ernst, Austen Ernst, and Vanessa Nichols, Jaxon Ernst, Drew Ernst, Jakob Ernst; and great-grandchildren Alyssa, Ray, Braxton, Grayson, Adalie and Aiden; her siblings, Dale Edlund, Elaine Fossen, Mavis Fjeld, Larry Amundson, Lynn Amundson. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Lori (Nichols) Kjelland and her parents Ella C. (Hoime) Edlund and Donald Edlund.

Donna relished the simple pleasures of life, including making crafts, gardening, spending time at the lake, and playing with her grandchildren. Her love for her family was evident in the joy she found in their company. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love and spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. 

Visitation will take place at Dobmeier Funeral Home on Friday, October 4th, at 10 am. Celebration of Life service will be held following the visitation at 11 am. The burial will take place at Faith Lutheran Cemetery, Wolverton, MN. Pastor Eric Souer is officiating. Arrangements with Dobmeier Funeral Home, Barnesville, MN.

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