Barb Ernster

Barb Ernster, 74, of Lewiston, lost her battle with cancer, Sunday, January 15, 2023 at her home in hospice care. Barb was born September 6, 1948, to Harold and Fern (Blum) Kiese. Barb and her first husband, the late Lyle Anderson, were married for 34 ½ years before he lost his battle with cancer on January 23, 2001. They had one daughter, two sons, and 12 grandchildren. Barb was a Winona Hospice volunteer for three years. She served as co-facilitator of the Lewiston Area Cancer Support Group and also became involved with the Fool’s Five Road Race in Lewiston. At St. John’s Church, Barb taught Sunday School for over 25 years and was the Sunday School treasurer for two years. She served as church secretary for three years and also held the offices of president and secretary of the ladies’ groups at the church.

Barb was most proud to be a member of the Lewiston Lions Club. She joined in March, 2002. She served as secretary, board member, newsletter editor, and president of the club. The highlight for Barb was when she became District Governor 2009-2010 and visited all 51 Lions Clubs in Minnesota.

Barb and Mark Ernster were married July 17, 2004. She is survived by her husband, Mark. Barb’s three children, Laura (Leroy) Jongaard, Roger (Marie) Anderson, and Daniel (Isabel) Anderson; Mark’s two daughters, Lisa (Jon) Marthaler, and Laura (Jeremy) Watson;

6 sisters and 3 brothers, Dave Kiese, Ruth (Steve) Olson, Diane Martinson, Jim (Bonnie) Kiese, Joanne Zeches, Betty Agin, Sara (Mitch Stephan), and John (Sandy) Kiese; son-in-law, Chuck Hentges;

Grandchildren, Joshua Hentges, Dominic (Ellie) Hentges, Sean Hentges, Brady Anderson, Brittany Anderson, Nick (Hannah) Duncanson, Katherine (Nic) Curren, Madelaine (Cole) Renner, Isabella Anderson, William (Kaylei) Anderson, Samantha and Bernie Anderson, and Stephanie, Quinn and Graham Marthaler, Wrynlee Watson, Kiko, Catherine, and Ivan;

Great-grandchildren, Willow and Emmitt Renner, Liam Anderson, Mata, Deynarie and Eli.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Lyle Anderson; 4 brothers-in-law; granddaughter Nicole Hentges; and sister Karen Sokup.

A Funeral Mass for Barb will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston.  A visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2023 and 10 – 11 a.m. Wednesday all at St. Rose of Lima. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Hoff Funeral Service of Lewiston is assisting the family with arrangements.  www.hofffuneral.com. 

Memorials are preferred to Winona Area Hospice, St. Jude’s Hospital, and Minnesota Lions Childhood Cancer.