Ernest "Ernie" Charles Paul Schimmelpfennig, 94, lifelong Ruthville area resident, died Saturday, March 12, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Ernie was born July 3, 1921 on the family farm north of Minot in Ward County, North Dakota the son of Herman and Lydia (Lade) Schimmelpfennig. He was raised on the family farm and educated at country schools in the area. During his younger years, he assisted his family with the operation of the farmstead.

Ernie was united in marriage to Doris Zietz on June 6, 1943 at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Burlington. They made their home on the family farm in Waterford Township where they grew small grains and raised cattle and horses throughout the years. The marriage was blessed with their daughter, Sheila in 1945. Doris died in 1968. In addition to his farming duties, Ernie was employed for a short time at the Minot Air Force Base by the Peter Kiewit Construction Company when the base was first built.

Ernie developed many friendships and was involved with many groups and agencies along the way. Some of these included, the Farmers Union Elevator Board where he served 10 years, Lynch Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Council for a number of years, Waterford Township Board and was a charter member of the Midwest Chariot Club. He enjoyed riding horse and racing his chariots and it was very rare if he ever missed a local rodeo, especially the Y's Mens Rodeo in Minot. He was active in helping plan the Ruthville Parade for many years and his great-grandsons Bailey and Bridger carried on the tradition in the ND State Fair Parade, where they won two Pioneer tractor awards with his "John Beer" Tractor that he made from miscellaneous farm parts. Ernie was a former member of the Minot Eagles and Moose Lodge.

Ernie was known by many for his ability to socialize, whether it was at the Sunday morning breakfast club or with his grandchildren and many other friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Ernie's loving family includes , daughter, Sheila (Reuben) Sanders, Minot, grandson, Shaun (Tammy) Uleberg, Minot, greatgrandchildren, Bailey & Bridger Uleberg; other grandchildren and great grandchildren to include, Karen (Ryan) Gullicks, Brianna Johnson , Kamryn Gullicks & Jaylin Aberle; sister, Ester Carlson, of Snowhomish, Washington a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Doris, longtime friend, Edith Schnase, along with his brothers, Lawrence, Bennie, Herb and sister Laura Schimmelpfennig.

Funeral service : Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Lynch Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
Visitation : Friday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice or Our savior Lutheran Church, both Minot.