Ernest "Ernie" G. Hart

Ernest G. “Ernie” Hart, age 85, of Parkers Prairie, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at his home following a short illness.

Funeral services are 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Esther Lutheran Church in Eastern Township, rural Parkers Prairie with Rev. Stephen Streed officiating. Music is provided by Marcia Guenther. Interment will take place at the church cemetery.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m., on Monday, July 1, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ernest Gottlieb Hart was born on April 9, 1939, to Henry and Esther (Brockopp) Hart in Parkers Prairie. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. Ernie attended Country school through the eighth grade and attended Alexandria Public School for ninth grade. Following his education, Ernie farmed with his family and at the age of 17, began his professional career driving semi-trucks and transporting livestock. Later, he purchased his own Can Milk Trucks and began hauling milk for the Rose City Creamery. Ernie met his future bride, Georgia Davis, while dancing at the Clarissa Ballroom. They were united in marriage on April 15, 1961, at Salem Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis. Following their marriage, they purchased and lived on the Hart family farm. They later relocated to the Twin Cities where Ernie worked for SuperValu, while visiting and working the farm on weekends. Ernie and Georgia returned home to the farm after five years, and he continued his job at SuperValu for a time. He then began working for Dahlen Trucking, hauling gasoline and for Midland Coop. Ernie worked for Utopia Tours as a driver for 25 years and in 2009, he, Georgia, and their son, Ricky started their own business, Hart Travel. They traveled throughout the United States and Canada, driving until he was 78 years old. The only state he missed driving to was Hawaii, and only because there wasn’t a bridge. He was a member of Esther Lutheran Church, Prairie Eagle Saddle Club, American Dairy Association, and American Milk Producers Inc., where he served on the board. Ernie was known for roasting hogs for many events and also for friends and family. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus at Christmas, time spent at the cabin on Lake Miltona, in his younger years square dancing, and was a big 4-H and FFA supporter. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and brother, Donovan.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Georgia; four children, Lisa (Todd) Wunderlich of Parkers Prairie, Scott (Christy) Hart of Eagle Bend, Ricky (Jill Klimek) Hart of Parkers Prairie, and Shelly (John) Hoppe of Miltona; 12 grandchildren, Alicia (Brandon) Kruse, Michael (Rachel) Wunderlich, Nancy (Tanner) Reinhardt, Nolan (Kirstin) Hart, Susan Hart, Orran Hart, Mercedes (Jon) Doucette, Nick Klimek, Chelsey (Jordan) Petron, Samantha Hoppe, Bobby Hoppe, and Joseph Hoppe; seven great-grandchildren, Thea and Cord Reinhardt, Wesley Kruse, Kolton and baby girl Wunderlich, Henry and Brooke Doucette; sister, Marie (John) Schultz of Miltona; sister-in-law, Shirley Hart of Miltona; five nephews and one niece.

Pallbearers are his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are his granddaughters.