Ernest “Ernie” Wabasha age 83 of the Lower Sioux Community journeyed to the Spirit World surrounded by family and loved ones on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the Redwood Area Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Catholic Church in Morton.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday April 2, at the Lower Sioux Community Center and will continue until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Visitation will resume at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church and continue until the time of the service. Interment is in St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ernest R. Wabasha was born September 2, 1929 to Florence Helen (Chase) and Henry B. Wabasha. He was baptized on December 25, 1929. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in 1953, Ernie attended DeVry Technical Institute. Ernie was an electronic technician and worked in the Arctic Circle in 1956 on the DEW (Defensive Early Learning) Line. He worked for Honeywell for 25 years and for 10 years with McDonell Douglas Aircraft working on the Gemini and Mercury Aerospace Program. Ernie enjoyed fishing, bowling, and spending time with his family. He was very involved with his cultural events. In his earlier years, Ernie was active on many committees for the Lower Sioux and was the first Tribal Representative at Jackpot.

Ernie is survived by his wife Vernell of 57 years; daughter Theresa; son Leonard (significant other Chris); grandchildren: Cheyanne St. John, Forrest St. John, and Winona Wabasha; great granddaughter Inez St. John (Crow Dog); sister Vera Hutter; many nieces and nephews; and many special friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings America, George, Matthew, Mike, Veronica, Mary, and Ernestine.