Ernie was born May 17, 1937 to Ernest and Mabel (Orseth) at Mapes, North Dakota, the youngest of seven siblings. In 1939 his father moved the family to a small farm northwest of Rush City, Minnesota.

Ernieís earliest school days were spent at the Rohlf country school. When he was 16, his father died and Ernie took on the responsibility of the daily operation of the farm. He graduated Rush City High School in 1955, and the many friendships he made throughout his school years lasted a lifetime.

In the spring of 1955, the family decided to sell the dairy cows and Ernie began working in the mines at Silver Bay. Two years later the United States government invited him to serve his country! He joined the Army, completed his basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, and was stationed in Germany for two years.

Shortly after returning from Germany he followed his brother, Helmer, into the occupation of road construction. He worked as a heavy equipment operator until 1992. Seventeen of those years were spent working for H & S Asphalt in Anoka, Minnesota. He then chose to put all his efforts into farming and his family. Always believing in unions, he had become a member of the Local 49, Operating Engineers in 1961.

In late 1967, he met Emily Schroth at the Fish Lake Dance Hall, and they were married May 4, 1968 at First Lutheran Church in Rush City. They marriage was blessed with three beautiful children, Tonia, Kristie, and Ernest.

In 1973, Ernie and Emily purchased the home place and raised their children there. Ernie retired from active farming in 2004.

In retirement he enjoyed the simple things in life, such as watching sunsets with Emily, taking trips with his family, spending time with his five wonderful grandchildren, Jacob, Trevor, Emily, Katherine, and Joseph, reading the daily paper, card games, and playing with his dogs. His greatest joy in live was his family. As the youngest, his siblings often accused him of being ëMaís favoriteí. He returned that love and devotion by being his motherís primary caregiver as she grew older and became more and more unable to care for herself. His wife and children knew that no matter what they did or didnít do, Ernie would always be there for them. They knew, too, that he was proud of them and how important they were to him. He truly had a soft heart under a gruff exterior, and will be loved and missed forever.

Ernie died at his rural Rush City home on Monday, November 13, 2006, at the age of 69 years. He is survived by his wife, Emily; children Tonia (Philip) Mattson of Stark, MN, Kristie (Christopher) Gurrola of St. Peter, MN, Ernest (Trudy Davidson) Fransen of Coon Rapids, MN; grandchildren: Jacob, Trevor, Emily, Katherine, and Joseph; sister: Harriet (Al) Langer of Roseville, MN; brother: John Franzen of Oakdale, MN; sisters-in-law: Marlys Fransen of Williston, ND and Sheila (George) Gemmill of Princeton, MN; brother-in-law: Robert Carlson of Blaine, MN; aunt: Selma Chambers of Minneapolis; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mabel Fransen, and his brothers Helmer, Kenneth, Raymond, and Victor Fransen.

Funeral services were held; 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2006 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City with the Reverend Laurie OíShea officiating. Music was provided by organist Dianne Kirchberg and soloist Al Tripp. Casket bearers were Ernieís nephews: Ken Fransen, Steve Fransen, Erik Fransen, Brian Franzen, Greg Franzen, and Larry Fransen. Military rites were provided by the Grothe-Jacobson VFW Post #6692 with the interment in the Free Mission Cemetery northwest of Rush City. Arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral & Cremation Service - Olson Chapel- Rush City, Minn.

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