Loren Ernst, 77, of Moorhead, MN, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 25, 2016, at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.

Loren Duane Ernst was born January 10, 1939, in Alliance Township, MN to Edwin and Minnie (Schmidt) Ernst. He attended Koester School in Comstock, MN, and graduated from Comstock High School.

Loren entered the North Dakota Air National Guard and served for two years. He spent most of his working life behind the wheel, whether it was farming, driving school bus, or driving truck for several different companies. He took great pride in the work that he did and the vehicles he drove.

On June 23, 1962, Loren married Karen Espevoll in Sabin, MN. They eventually made their home in Moorhead, MN.

Loren enjoyed playing cards, fishing, grilling, NASCAR, having coffee with his many groups of friends, traveling, liver & onions, and blue dolphins (water). He especially loved spending time with his family and his great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Loren is survived by his children, Tammy (Robert) Flaten of Hawley, MN, and Bradley (Anne) Ernst of Eden Prairie, MN; sisters, Darlene Erickson, Barnesville, MN; Donna (Randy) McEvers, Baker, MN; sister-in-law, Arlene Ernst, Barnesville, MN; four grandchildren, Kari (Matthew) Skauge, Hawley, MN, Kristi (Shawn) Uhlig, Hawley, MN, Megan (Nate) Brue, Rosemount, MN and Alyson Ernst, Minneapolis, MN; six step-grandchildren, Kate Larson, Minneapolis, MN, Carina Larson, Minneapolis, MN, Jack Larson, Jordan, MN, Andie Bonkowske, Caden Bonkowske and Maddie Bonkowske, all of Eden Prairie, MN; and five great-grandchildren, Makayla Uhlig, Faith Uhlig, Levi Uhlig, Brayden Skauge, and Parker Skauge, all of Hawley, MN.

Loren was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 52 years, Karen; parents; brother, Ronald Ernst; and brother-in-law, Earl Erickson.