Ernie was born to Ernest Sr. and Esther Rosenow (North) and raised throughout his childhood in Iowa.  At 18, he enlisted in the Marine Corps.  Following an Honorable Discharge from the military, Ernie began his family and worked his way up the West coast, settling in Washington.  Prior to retiring in 2003, he drove the transit bus at Ben Franklin Transit for 18 years.

Ernie’s favorite stories always surrounded vacations, fishing trips or hunting excursions around the forests near Goldendale, Washington.  He treasured any time he could spend making memories with family and friends.

Ernie leaves behind his wife of nearly 40 years, Pam, his younger brother Larry (Jean), his son Kenny (Bev), his daughters Cathy (Rod), Bobbie and Carla, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his mother, father and his sons David and Dale.