Ernest “Uncle Ernie” Augesen, age 76, of Couderay, WI, passed from this life to the next on Monday, June 5, 2023, peacefully at his home.

Ernest was born November 19, 1946, in Worthington, MN, the son of Charles P. and Elinor G. (Smith) Augesen.

He married the love of his life, Nancy Horton in Rock Island, Illinois on August 13,1966. Ernie enlisted in the US Air Force in Clinton, Iowa during the Vietnam Era and was proud to have served his country. After the US Air Force with his experience as a medic, Ernie was accepted into the first class of PA students that was offered in Wisconsin. He had a variety of interests and tried different avenues of employment until he decided to buy a farm and move to Exeland, Wisconsin allowing him to spend valuable years with his children when they were still young. Ernie would always share stories and tales of his days on the farm with his young family. He would say that it was the hardest job you will ever love. Ernie’s true calling came when he was presented with an opportunity to open Uncle Ernies in Couderay. He had a “gift of gab” and always made whoever he was talking to feel like they were special. Ernie was well known for his sense of humor. He would tease his customers and always had a joke to make you laugh. Uncle Ernie was beloved by all that knew him.

Ernest was active in the community as a board member for the Village of Couderay. He served and protected the town he grew to love as a volunteer firefighter for over a decade. His true joy was sponsoring the Easter Egg Hunt in Couderay making sure everyone was included and received gifts from the “bunny”. Ernie had a passion for Sci-Fi movies and could tell you how to defend the earth from any creature including giant worms or aliens. He was fearless and loved new experiences. Ernie was the first in line to sign up at the rodeo to take his turn at bull riding. He realized that getting off the bull was a lot quicker than getting on it.
He was very successful in his professional life, but his true passion was his family. Ernie was an amazing role model and incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. He would share stories of his offspring’s talents and accomplishments to anyone who would listen. Ernie cherished the times when he had a house full of people and all his family with him. He passed away surrounded by all of his loved ones after a long battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy; his children: Timothy Augesen and his wife Gisele, Tonia Cody and her husband Brian, Tamara Daniels and her husband Robert, Trevis Augesen and his wife Julie, Trinity Augesen and his wife Jolyn; his 14 grandchildren: Bradi Cody, Brianna Cody, Barrett Cody, Zoe Augesen, Zander Augesen, Kaitlyn Daniels, Ian Daniels, Connor Daniels, Robert Augesen, Alex Augesen, Lili Jones, Callie Augesen, Tucker Augesen, Bryndle Augesen,  & 6 great grandchildren: Aaron Jones, Susie Jones, Joey Augesen, Bristol Cody, Casper Augesen, and Briggs Dennis. He is also survived by one sister Donna Combs; many nephews, nieces, & cousins.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Elinor Augesen and brother Roy Augesen.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 19, 2023, at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward followed by a Graveside Service at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Couderay. Military Honors will be accorded by WACEK-Slattery American Legion Post #303 and the State of Wisconsin Military Honors Team.

Last Update: Jun 08, 2023 8:22 pm CDT