Ernest W. Montreuil, 77, a longtime resident of Crookston, Minnesota, died peacefully at his home Thursday afternoon, March 4, 2010, with his loving family at his side, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Ernie was born on October 26, 1932, the second son, and one of eight children, of the union of Fred and Emily (Fiedler) Montreuil. He grew up in Crookston, was baptized and confirmed at St. Anne's Catholic Church, and attended Crookston public schools. On April 17, 1951 Ernie enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Station he was sent to Yokosuka, Japan. For the next two years Ernie served aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Philippine, patrolling Korean waters during the Korean War. Our grateful nation awarded him the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the China Service Medal. Ernie was very proud of his service to his country and after receiving his honorable discharge on March 29, 1955, returned to Crookston. He was first employed as a land surveyor for both the State of Minnesota and City of Crookston, before going to work at the Crookston Post Office. On September 29, 1957 he was united in marriage to Arlene Overland in the Varnes Lutheran Church at rural Fertile, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Crookston and together raised three children- Diane, Karen, and Keith. Very sadly, Keith passed away on July 23, 1999. After thirty-five years of service to the Post Office, first as a clerk carrier and then as window clerk, Ernie retired in November, 1990. In semi-retirement he was employed by Polk County Environmental Services from 1991 until 1999.
Ernie was devoted to his wife, Arlene, his children and grandchildren. He treasured the time they spent together. He loved the outdoors and summers were spent camping, fishing, and enjoying nature; with many special times spent at the trailer at Stony Point on Cass Lake. Ernie and Arlene also enjoyed traveling and over the years visited all 50 states, Mexico, Europe, and Canada. Ernie was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and served as an usher for many years. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #1902, and a member of American Legion Post #20 and Eagles Aerie #873. Ernie will be very sadly missed by all who shared in his life.
Loving family members include his wife of fifty-two years, Arlene; two daughters and six grandchildren, Diane Dale, her husband, Jeff, and their children, Eric, Elissa, Easton, and Emily, of Andover, MN, and Karen Danielson, her husband, Rick, and their children, Kari and Ryan, of Crookston, MN; three brothers, Charles (Marilyn) Montreuil of Rockville, MN, Alan (Dolores) Montreuil of Crookston, and Ralph (Della) Montreuil of Euclid, MN; four sisters, Nona (Duane) Kaiser, Mary (Ken) Grove, and Jean Lunos, all of Crookston, and Carol (Wally) Johnson of Grand Forks, ND. Ernie also leaves an aunt, Addie Korpi of Grand Forks; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim and Nina Overland of Morris, MN and Ardelle and Gilmur Eia of Beltrami, MN, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
