Patricia Louise “Pat” Ernst (Finch), age 88 of Grantsburg, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023 at the Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center with loved ones by her side. Pat was born on June 11, 1935 to Lewis and Sara Finch (Clover) in Tomah, Wisconsin. She grew up with 7 brothers and sisters. The family moved to the Grantsburg area where Pat graduated with the class of 1953 from Grantsburg High School.

Pat married the love of her life, Jacob “Jake” Ernst, while living in Grantsburg. Pat and Jake raised 4 children, while she worked as a secretary for the Grantsburg School District, and later, a teacher for troubled young boys in Minnesota, where she would retire.

In retirement, Jake and Pat moved back to Grantsburg, where they enjoyed golfing and traveling to Texas to escape the cold Wisconsin winters. They cherished the Texas sun together for 14 winters before he passed in 2009. Pat continued to visit friends and family in Texas for the winter for 12 years after his passing.

Some of Pat’s interests include birds and flowers, music, playing her keyboard, singing, being a voracious reader, visiting the Grantsburg Public Library, and spending time with family. Pat was also an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Falun, and her faith was a fundamental part of her soul. She always kept her Bible near her and was diligent about doing her daily devotionals. One of Pat’s final wishes was for her family to continue to know God, love, laugh, and gather, which we will do our best to honor.

Pat was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jake, an infant daughter, her parents, and all of her siblings.

She will be dearly missed by her 4 children: Randy (Linda) Ernst, Rodney Ernst, Kevin (Jean) Ernst, and Valerie (Ray) Wagner; 8 grandchildren: Luke (Jenni) Ernst, Zach Ernst, Miranda (Michael) Johnson, Amanda (Dave) Clark, Sara (Jeremiah) Anderson, Heather (Brian) Huse, Danny (Petra) Winnwalker and Jake (Kari) Ernst; 19 great grandchildren and many other special friends and family.

The memorial service for Patricia will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM (visitation from 10-11 am) at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Falun, WI., with a luncheon to follow.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home.

Last Update: Dec 29, 2023 12:04 pm CST