Ernest Hans Junker, Jr., age 72, of Parkers Prairie, died Friday, December 20, 2013, at St. William's Living Center in Parkers Prairie.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 28, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Rev. Kirk Lee officiating. Music is provided by organist, Maureen Diedrich and vocalist, Rhonda Olson. Military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard. Burial will take place at a later date.
Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Friday at Lind Family Funeral Home in Parkers Prairie and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Ernest Hans Junker, Jr., was born August 22, 1941, to Ernest Hans and Jane Marie (Olson) Junker, Sr., in Bertha. He was baptized October 26, 1941, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Motley and confirmed May 1, 1959, at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. He grew up in Staples where he graduated from Staples High School in 1960. Following his education he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, trained in the police academy and served in the military police from 1962-1963. Following his honorable discharge, he was united in marriage to Frances Yvonne "Vonnie" Lee July 22, 1963. Following their marriage they lived in St. Paul where he worked for Armour Meats. They moved to Oregon where his first job was as a rancher. He then worked for the Oregon Forestry Service and as a police officer. They lived in various southern states before returning to Staples in 1975, where he worked at Benson Optical. He then owned and operated a gift store in Staples and auction houses in Staples and Motley, which he really enjoyed. Following his early retirement due to health reasons, he and his wife made their home in Parkers Prairie. His wife, "Vonnie" died July 19, 2002. Ernie loved making wooden covered wagons for his family and reading about and watching world war movies and events. Ernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, ham radios, recording movies, going to garage sales and playing with his dog, Babet and cat, Baby. He also enjoyed playing cribbage, Texas hold'em, 500, Spades and visiting casinos. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Alexandria Amateur Ham Radio Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Ray Fraser and wife.
Ernie is survived by two sons, Ernest Hans "Beau" (Tina) Junker III and Ben Edward Junker, Sr., both of Eden Valley; special friend, Linda Buhl of Parkers Prairie; two sisters, Arlene Lewis of the Twin Cities and Virginia (Dick) Stockwell of Fort Madison, Iowa; six grandchildren, Amber LeAnne Junker, Ernest Hans Joshua Junker IV, Cassondra Ann Junker, Ben Edward Junker, Jr., Maxine Maria Junker and Joe Henry James, Jr.; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Prudence Cooper; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Pallbearers are Josh Junker, Joe James, Jr., Ben Junker, Jr., Eric Hesse, Kevin Olson, Robby Olson, Chico Rodriguez and Nick Rodriguez.