Ernest “Ernie” Roeber

On April 27th, with his beloved at his side, Ernie Roeber passed peacefully to return home to his Savior.

He was born on September 15th, 1933 to William and Freida (Wuennecke) Roeber in Crooked Creek Township of Houston County, Minnesota. Ernie attended the Caledonia school district until 1951 when his family moved to Rochester, MN. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1953, and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed at various different posts in the Pacific theater and was very proud of his four years of service as a Navy Seabee. After his service in the Navy, he started at IBM and was fortunate enough to retire early and purchase the Cannon Falls Campground while holding many other side jobs. His favorite of all being his 30 years as an auctioneer. Ernie was devoted to the Lord, loved the Minnesota Vikings, and was gifted as a woodworker where he created birdhouses, yard games and furniture for his friends and family.

In 1957, Ernie returned to Rochester and on June 29th, he married the love of his life Joanne Zell at Peace Church, where they remained members for the duration of his life. They were blessed to share 65 years at each other’s side. One of their favorite ways to spend their free time was on the road in their motorhome, visiting 49 states as well as Canada and Mexico. When they weren’t traveling, they were proud to prioritize supporting their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their endeavors.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, William and Freida Roeber; and his sisters, Irmagarde Hendrickson and Hildegard Hanson.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; his sister, Renata Riley; his three daughters, Julie Wutschke (Barrie), Shawn Bolinger, and Rene Lunde (Jeff Inglebret); his two sons, Bill (Shelley Fabian) and Barry (Wendy). He will be greatly missed by his seven grandchildren (Lucas, Jared, Jacey, Danny, Annie, Kayla, and Morgan), 10 great-grandchildren (Sami, Abby, Brynlee, Benjamin, Joseph, Ryder, Addison, Bryson, Aiden, and Callan) and step-grandchild (James).

All services will be held at Peace United Church of Christ with livestream available at www.peacechurchucc.org. Visitation will be held on Friday May 5th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, and Saturday May 6th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Funeral service will follow the visitation on Saturday at 2:00pm with a luncheon to follow. The burial will be a private event for the immediate family following the funeral.

Memories and condolences of Ernie may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com