Ernest Valentine Obituary

Ernest "Ernie" Valentine, 79, of Menomonee Falls, WI (formerly Red Wing, MN), passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 of natural causes.

Ernie (not Ernest, thank you) was born on April 4, 1944 to Deane and Ellen Valentine in Pueblo, CO. While in fourth grade, his family moved to the Buffalo, NY area where he spent most of his childhood with occasional summers visiting his grandparents in Rondeau Bay, Ontario.

After graduating from Amherst High School, he attended CU (University of Colorado Boulder) where he was a business major. His future wife was a science major. Yet they never crossed paths till after his graduation. His first job post college was in Denver working at Fashion Bar as a traffic manager. A coworker invited her neighbor to a party at Ernie's place, and that is how he met the love of his life.

On December 21, 1968, Ernie married Mary Ann Ervin. The family moved to Red Wing, MN in 1971 when he took a job as Logistics Manager for Meyer Industries. He worked there, through many ownership and name changes, till he retired in 2002.

In Red Wing, he was active at Christ Episcopal Church where he was a member of the vestry, treasurer for numerous years and known for his expertise in the kitchen.

Some would say that Ernie was a train enthusiast and that is an understatement. His love of all things trains was something he possessed all his life. He also enjoyed history, trivia, and playing with his cats. The latter will especially miss him and his 6am feedings.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Mary Valentine; son, Richard "Rich" (Cecelia) Valentine; grandsons, Nate and Sam Valentine; cats, Oreo and Luna. He is preceded in death by his parents and cats Gandalf, Frodo, Simone, Nakai, and Menace.

A memorial service for Ernie will be held at a later date.