Peter B Ernest

Peter “Pete” Ernest, 65, of Isabella, died Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Aspirus-St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by his family.

Pete was born February 20, 1960 to Arthur Sr. and Sharon (Meeks) Ernest in Ely, Minnesota and grew up in Isabella. After graduating from William M. Kelley in 1978, he continued to work with his father and brothers in the family logging business. Pete married Anissa Johnson in 1991, and they had two children, Emily and Kati. Pete married Sally Newberry in 2002. Pete loved the woods and logging. He was a master feller and helped other companies and individuals. He spent some time painting in Florida, but the Minnesota forest was his home. If Pete didn’t have a chainsaw in his hands, he had a fishing pole. He enjoyed being outdoors with his family and friends; working, hunting, fishing, and riding snowmobile. He was always up for an adventure but he’d make you give up your secret fishing spot before he’d give up his own. If you needed something, Pete would give you the shirt off his back, literally. He will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arthur Ernest Jr. and Brock Ernest; good friends Howard Knaffla and Scott Hull.

He is survived by his loving partner, Diane Duckworth; daughters Emily (Andrew) Krage and Kati (Gaige Volkman) Ernest; grandchildren Memphis Volkman and Tasha Volkman; a sister, Cindy (Weldon) Mattfield; a brother, Joseph Ernest; sister-in-laws Penny Ernest and Pam Ernest; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1 at 1:00PM at the Isabella Community Center.

Pete’s daughters would like to thank the kind souls on the Aspirus St. Luke’s comfort care team. You treated our father with dignity and us with love. Tim, you were light in a moment of darkness. Peanut brittle.