Ernest Alfred Yentsch, 91, of Apache Junction, Ariz. died on Jan. 1, 2010, at Hospice of the Valley in Mesa, Ariz. 
He was born in Blooming Prairie, Minn. on March 8, 1918, the son of Albert and Emma (Lee) Yentsch. Ernest served in WWII for five years. He married Donna Vaith on Sept. 19, 1947. He was a farmer and started his own construction business in Minnesota. In 1969, Ernest and Donna moved to Mesa, Ariz. Ernest went into the real estate business. In 1971, he and Donna joined Butler Amusement in California as independent owner/operator.  In 1983, he retired and lived at Leech Lake, Minn. in the summer and Apache Junction, Ariz. in the winter. In 2006, they resided in Apache Junction, Ariz. until the present time. He was known as Ernie. Ernie enjoyed racing stock cars for several years, fishing, and catching the big one.     
Ernie loved to play cards with friends that came to their home and they played every week. Ernie was a fun guy, the people at the mobile home court loved him and he loved visiting with people. He enjoyed being with his family.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Donna Yentsch, Apache Junction, Ariz.; children, Betty (Roger) Jacobson, Hayfield, Minn., Thomas (Catharine) Yentsch, Apache Junction, Ariz., Cherie (Sonny) Rhein, Coolidge, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Wayne and Donald Yentsch; and one sister, Marion Kruckeberg.  
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A military memorial service for Ernest Alfred Yentsch will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hayfield, Minn.
Blessed be his memory.
Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.