Aaron Ernst, 16

Published 10:28 am Monday, August 16, 2010

Aaron Ernst, 16, of Austin, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Aaron John Ernst was born Aug. 30, 1993 in Rochester, Minnesota to John and Dereen (Oldenburg) Ernst. He grew up and lived all his life in Austin and was a student at Austin High School and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Aaron enjoyed playing the guitar and wrote his own music and songs. He had a paper route when he was younger and helped out his father with his work.

Aaron Ernst

We all were blessed to have Aaron in our lives. Our lives have been enriched in so many ways. Aaron in his short life has touched many of us. He was a son to be proud of and brag about at times. Aaron was the best brother to have. He and his sister, Allison were best friends, confidant, mentor, and partners in mischief. He was her world. Aaron and Allison shared the same interests in music. They had many shared friends, video games, and fun times driving motor scooters. Allison and Aaron set up their own music studio in their basement to play music and spend time together with friends. They spent time with their father working at the mat company. Aaron was always there for Allison. She sadly misses her brother. Aaron was a strong person, very intelligent. He was the quiet one who knew but did not say anything unless asked. He was gifted, able to do math in his mind, quick with puzzles and would put things together with ease. Aaron was the calm peacekeeper, the diffuser, strong and steady. He was always there for you when needed, to comfort you, correct you or even teach you. Aaron never put himself first. Aaron, with his intelligence, could quickly find humor in life and get you smiling with some silly statement. He was a loving son and brother, a good and truthful friend. He treated all as equals and never anything less. He cared about people, thinking of others first. He had many plans and dreams with his family and friends. He was busy working with his father, driving his moped, getting his van ready. Aaron took interest with repairs of appliances and planned to repair and planned to repair and sell them through his school years.

Music was one of Aaron’s passions. He found playing his guitars and making songs about the people and things he loved in life. Many of us will have our special song or tune from Aaron that we will remember. His music was always at hand. His phone was filled with music and his favorite songs. He had many picture of his friends, sister and himself on his phone along with situational life’s humor pictures. He frequently was listening to his music or talking and texting with friends, then needing to change his phone for more. Aaron enjoyed playin cards, chess and just sitting at the kitchen table talking and joking with friends and family. He was involved with other teen groups and has made many friends throughout the state through these groups.

The night he was taken from us he had just enjoyed one of his favorite things to do with his family at the fair, the demolition derby. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his father and mother John and Dereen Ernst of Austin, his sister, Allison, at home, his grandfather, Otto Oldenburg, Rochester, aunts and uncles, Derlen (Nancy) Oldenburg, Deven (Joyce) Oldenburg, all of Rochester, Beth Bednar, Wayzata, Terry Ernst, Ellen Hanson, Andrew Ernst, all of Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Joan Ernst, and maternal grandmother, Phyllis Oldenburg.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Thomas Ogilvie officiating. Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday and at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday. The family prefers memorials in lieu of flowers.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com

Arrangements are handled by Worlein Funeral Home.