Ernest Benjamin Kimball

ERNEST BENJAMIN “Ernie” KIMBALL

August 3, 1944 – July 1, 2019

                Ernest Benjamin “Ernie” Kimball, age 74, a lifelong Menahga/Wolf Lake, MN area resident, peacefully passed into eternal life on Monday morning, July 1^st, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

                Ernie was born on August 3, 1944 in Wadena, MN to Clark and Elizabeth (Wacker) Kimball.  He grew up on his parent’s farm in Spruce Grove Township, attending the District #79 Country School near his home through the 8^th grade.  He went on to attend high school in Menahga, where he graduated with the Class of 1962.  As a young man, Ernie entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country serving in Korea from 1965 – 1967.  After his honorable discharge, Ernie returned home to the Menahga area where he gained employment working for the Ultig Engineering Company of Fargo for a couple of years.  He then went to work for the Madison Silo Company building silos throughout Minnesota and the Dakotas for two years.  On May 22, 1972, Ernie was united in marriage to Darlene Joy Arola.  They were blessed with four children: Michael, Troy, Sharon and Scott.  In 1972, Ernie began working for the Claus Hasbagen Turkey Farm west of Menahga and thus began a 47 year career working in the local turkey industry until his retirement in October of 2016, due to health reasons.  Ernie loved the outdoors; especially when he could be hunting or fishing with his family or friends.  Each spring he looked forward to planting a large vegetable garden which he loved to nuture into an abundant harvest to share with his family, friends and neighbors.  Ernie was a friendly man who enjoyed visiting with everyone and learning about their families.  He will be long remembered for his good conversation, his legacy of hard work, his humble kindness and his willingness to drop everything to help someone in need.  Above all, Ernie devoted himself to his wife, children and grandchildren who he loved with all his heart.

                Ernie will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 47 years, Darlene; his three children: Michael Kimball, Sharon (Chad) Blair all of Menahga and Scott (Sasha) Kimball of Crystal, MN; his six dearly loved grandchildren: Breana Hemm, Shaina Knapp, Abigail & Jackson Blair, Kailie and Dane Kimball; two great grandchildren: Darren and Ethan Luedke; his brother, Richard Kimball of Menahga; four sisters: Beryl Irish of Menahga, Lavelle Conger of Menahga, Gail (Charles) Schoberg of Wadena and Doreen Johnson of Menahga; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

                He was preceded in death by his son, Troy in 2000 and his parents.

                Funeral services will be held 3 PM Sunday, July 7, 2019 at the Bethany Lutheran Church near Wolf Lake, MN.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be made in the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the Bethany Lutheran Church family. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.cardinipearson.com