Ernest L. Stave, 82, of Leeds, ND,  died Friday, September 9th, 2011 at the Sanford Health Palliative Care Unit in Fargo surrounded by his family.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 13th, 2011,  11:00 AM  at North Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Leeds, ND with Pastor Michael Rohrer officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 7pm at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds, ND and Tuesday at the church an hour before the funeral.  In lieu of floral arrangements, his family desires memorials to the Leeds Community Center.

Ernest Leonard Stave  was born on September 3, 1929 on the family farm north of Leeds, ND to Leonard and Clara (Vigness) Stave.  Ernie was baptized and confirmed in the North Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Leeds.   Ernie graduated from Leeds High School in 1948 and hitchhiked to attend the University of Minnesota. He worked in Barnesville in an auto dealership for a short time before starting a successful farming career.  He enjoyed seeing the crops grow and watching the markets his entire life.    Ernie met and married Eileen Paulson of Pleasant Lake, ND on Nov. 29, 1955.   They had three sons and raised them in the farming lifestyle.

Ernie was involved in several organizations and on many boards including the Harlow Cooperative Elevator, the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, and Cenex in York.  He was an active life member of the North Prairie Church.  Ernie was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Elks and Eagles.  During his career in farming, Ernie also bought and sold machinery and was a crop insurance adjuster.  Ernie enjoyed being a grandpa and teaching his grandchildren how to drive.  Ernie had many, many friends and enjoyed visiting with them over coffee and sweets.  He will be missed by friends and family.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents,  wife:  Eileen Stave;  a brother:  Sidney Stave and a sister:  Goldie Gilbertson.

Ernie is survived by his children:  Bryan (Laurie) of Bloomington, MN,  Douglas (Doreen) of Fargo, ND and Luther (Deborah) of Rolette, ND;  six grandchildren:  Lexi (Calvin) Hought, Blake, Brendan, Victoria, Kirsten and Linden Stave; one great-granddaughter: Mariah Hought;  a sister:  Lydia Thompson of Devils Lake and a special friend:  Beverly Haugen of Jamestown.



Condolences:

Dear Family of Ernest, I was sorry to see that Ernie had passed away.  I enjoyed visiting with him as he would drive the Nestegards to Wyndmere to visit my parents Carl and Anna Solberg ( I believe Carl was a cousin to your father.  My Mother also had a small table that was rosemalled by your mother.)  He also called me when I had my farm retirement sale and we met at farm mettings occasionaly.  You have my sympathy in this time of  loss of your father.   Sincerely, Art Solberg



Dear Doug, Doreen and families,   So sorry to hear that your father died. God be with your families at this time. Jessica Michaels



Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.  No words can express the loss of your Dad.  But think of your Dad seeing your Mom again in heaven.  Think of the  joy and happieness they are feeling right now, and watching their wonderful family from above.  May God Bless you all during this difficult time.  Find comfort in knowing your Mom and Dad are together again in Heaven.    Betty Anderson



Wishing to express heartfelt condolences to all of the family of Ernie Stave from myself, my brother Miles Jacobson, sister Abbie (Jacobson) Burton and my mother Mary (Kenneth) Jacobson.  We all lived on a farm "up north", but not as far north as Ernie.  Ernie was one of the last of the "great ones" and he'll be in good company with all of the good 'ole farmers.... my dad included... and loved ones who have been waiting for him to join them.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family...Virginia, Mary, Miles, and Abbie



I'm very sorry to read of your Dad's passing! God be with you all during this difficult time. May he grant you courage and strengh. Peace be with you all as well as my prayers. Renada Rutti



I was so sorry to hear of the death of your dad.  He and your mom are a part of many fun memories of high school pranks, thank goodness they both had such a great sense of humor!  Your families will be in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.   Heidi Herman-Wiens