Ernest L. “Ernie” Hilde,
86, Borup, MN, died Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at Pioneer Memorial Care Center, Erskine, MN.
Ernie was born in Keene Township, southwest of Ulen to Helmer C. and Clarice (Wang) Hilde on February 28, 1932 and was baptized in Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Ulen. Ernie was raised on the family farm in Hagen Township with his three brothers and sister, just a mile south of the Jevnaker Lutheran Church where he was confirmed.
Ernie attended and graduated from Borup High School in 1950 and was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1952. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict and returned home in 1954. He took a welding class before heading off to work on the Dalles Dam near Hood River, OR and later worked in hardware and construction.
Ernie married his high school sweetheart, Twilla Ann Monson, in Borup, MN on April 6, 1955. The couple’s three daughters, NorDeen, Charlene, and Julie were born in Hood River, Oregon. They returned to the Monson family farm near Borup in 1962, where their daughter Stacey and son Larry were born. Ernie was a life-long farmer, adoring husband and loving father. His son Larry joined him in farming after his high school graduation.
Ernie was active in his community, serving over 50 years on the Winchester Township Board, was a member of the Borup Lions Club, and the Borup Community Club. He served on the Zion Lutheran Church Council as a Trustee and Elder.
Like so many in his family, Ernie was a gifted storyteller and he loved to visit – usually with a cup of coffee and some sweets involved. His caring was evidenced by the time he took to stop in and check on his friends and neighbors, and if there was some coffee and sweets on hand it was even better. He was involved in Pool League and was renowned for his barbecuing meat, often with his Borup Crew. We won’t mention the beverages that were necessary to get the meat done just right.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Twilla, daughters, NorDeen (Steven) Grieve of Gary, MN, Charlene (Charles Boit) Ludwig of Marana, AZ, Julie (Ray) Massar of St. Peters, MO, Stacey (Curtis) Riemer of Hillsboro, ND and son, Larry (Nola) Hilde of Borup, 18 grandchildren: Angela (Eric) Larson, Paula Urness, Eric Grieve, Tiffany (Bill) Bosaaen, Sarah (Craig) Geisler, Sally Ludwig, Sonny (Bryan) Thompson, Cody (Melissa) Massar, Ian Fay, Eli Massar, Austin Massar, Dale (Marie) Riemer, Elissa Riemer, Gust Riemer, Jeran (Caio) Hilde, Kade Hilde, Bronson Hilde, Tianna Hilde, and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Waldo (Norma) Hilde of Moorhead, MN, his sister-in-law, Earleen Hilde, Blanco, NM, nieces and nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Harvey and Bernie, sister Linda, infant sister Ellen Marie, and his sister-in -law Corrine Hilde.
Funeral: 11:00AM Monday, January 21, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: Sunday from 4:00PM to 6:00PM with a 6:00PM prayer service at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN.
Burial: Winchester Lutheran Cemetery, Borup, MN.
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, Minnesota www.fredriksonfh.com
