Ernest "Ernie" Joseph King

Ernest Joseph King, age 89, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at St. Mark’s Living in Austin. Ernie was born on November 3, 1935, in Taopi, Minnesota, to John and Rose (Wettstein) King. He attended Catholic school in Adams and graduated from Adams High School in 1953. Following graduation, Ernie enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and proudly served our country until his honorable discharge in 1957. On August 18, 1959, Ernie was united in marriage to RoseMary Heimer at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg. The couple met at the Terp Ballroom, where they enjoyed many hours of dancing. Ernie did cement work for many years for City Concrete until his retirement in 2000. He was a longtime member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and getting his hands dirty with building projects and yard work. Ernie also loved riding his motorcycle, taking trips, and meeting up for breakfast with “the boys.” Most of all, Ernie cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. 

Ernie is survived by his children, Bradley King of Austin, Jeffrey (Marie) King of Hammonton, New Jersey, Michelle (Jon) Ellingworth of North Mankato, and Denise (Greg) Kinny of Blooming Prairie; son-in-law, Greg Schaefer of Falcon Heights, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers; and five sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife, RoseMary in 2022; parents, John and Rose; son, Brian in 1986; daughter, Kathleen Schaefer in 2020; one sister; and one infant brother. 

The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Ernie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church. The visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin with a rosary service starting at 3:45 p.m. The visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin.