Ernst, Douglas Walter of Plymouth, MN died at Memorial Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN on January 25, 2022 at the age of 67. After a courageous 6 month battle against cancer, he ultimately died from pneumonia. He was preceded in death by: William and Charlotte Alver; Wesley and Emma Ernst; Wesley Ernst, Jr.; and Heidi Ernst. He is survived by his wife Bev Benson, children Robb and Elizabeth Benson-Ernst, mother Edna Ernst, sisters/brothers-in-law Valerie and Lynn Lemke and Nancy and Tim Wilkerson, niece Becca and nephews Josh, William and Alex. Doug grew up on a farm just outside of Alberta, MN and graduated from Alberta High School in 1972. After attending Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, he graduated with a BA in Education in 1976. Doug taught High School Social Studies, English and Theatre and completed Graduate Coursework at St. Cloud State University. Doug was a historian, educator, leader, speaker, writer and in many ways an actor. He was dedicated to family. He had a truly unique sense of humor. He loved Christmas, baseball (Vintage and Modern) history, Star Trek and old radio shows. Many knew him as the "best" Santa they had ever met. Doug was involved in many activities and touched many lives. He taught, coached, coordinated, managed and judged activities: speech, mock trial, forensics, Sunday School and VBS at Grace University Lutheran Church. He taught and lived history as a historic interpreter at The Landing and the Executive Director of the Richfield History Center. He volunteered at Cedar Island and Oak View Schools, judged at History Day, and participated in the Plymouth/Wayzata League of Women Voters, the Loft, Sisters in Crime Events and in Vintage Baseball, he was known as "Freight Train" of the Quick Steps. A Memorial Service Celebrating Doug's Life will be held outside at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at 15800 Traprock St., Ramsey, Minnesota. Memorials may be sent to Grace University Lutheran Church (graceattheu.org), or American Cancer Society (cancer.org).

Published on February 6, 2022