Ernie Clubb, 84

Ernie Clubb, a man who filled every room he entered, is dead at the age of 84. On Monday, February 4, Ernie suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and family, early Tuesday morning.

Ernie was born August 29, 1928, the fifth child of Ernest and Abigail Clubb, in Blackduck, MN. Growing up in the depths of the Great Depression, he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Ernie moved to Minneapolis in the late 1940's, after serving in the AAF. There he met his first wife, Eileen Moore, whom he married in 1951.

They had five children: Keith (Lori Clemmer), Kathleen Kauffman (Chuck), David (Kathy), Susan Clubb-Mueller (Mike Mueller), and Shelley Clubb (Mike Greco). Ernie was a man of ideas. He started his own roofing company in Minneapolis. In 1966, he purchased a 160-acre farm in Lakeville, MN.

After Eileen's tragic death in 1968, Ernie married Norma Ames in 1971, with whom he had his 6th child, Chris (Keiza), before they divorced in 1972. In 1978, Ernie moved back home to Blackduck, where he founded Jackpine, a foster home for boys, and Jillpine, a home for girls.

He married his third wife, Marian Patton, in 1985. Together, they founded Goldpine Homes of Bemidji, which provided assisted living for adults. Marian died in 2007 after eight years of loving care.

Ernie was a beloved and vexing brother to Gordon (deceased), Marilou Behr (deceased), Grace Madison, Dixie Rowray and Bruce. He is also survived by six children and their spouses; 21 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with family from 5-8 PM on Friday, February 8, at the Holiday Inn, 20800 Kenrick Ave., Lakeville, MN. Funeral service at 1 PM on Saturday, February 9 at Christiania Lutheran Church, 26691 Pillsbury Ave., Lakeville, MN. A memorial service for family and friends will be held in Bemidji on Wed., Feb. 13 at the Hampton Inn, 1019 Paul Bunyon Drive from 2-5 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.