Ernest “Ernie” F. Zinter, 86, of Holyoke passed away Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Essentia Health-Moose Lake Hospital. He was born Feb. 9, 1936, the son of Frederick and Laverne (Stadin) Zinter. Ernie married Jan (Janice) on Aug. 16, 1958, in upstate New York. His job moved them often, and they lived in several places in upstate New York and northern Minnesota. He retired after a long career from Ziegler (Caterpillar), having worked in Duluth and across the Iron Range. Ernie served his country in the U.S. Army’s mountain and cold weather training command, sparking his love of downhill skiing, which he passed onto his family. He also served on the Holyoke town board, taking special care of the town hall, cemetery and park. His land in Holyoke was heaven on earth to him. Ernie kept busy in retirement with projects in his garage and blacksmith shop. His engineering mind was active until the end.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Merlene Olson and Lois Featherly, and brother Glenn Olson. He is survived by his wife, Jan; children, Ralph (Darla) Zinter, Kevin (Corrine) Zinter and Terri (Brent) Carlson; grandchildren, Kayla, Kody and Ryan Zinter, Kristen McCuskey, and Sara and Kirk Carlson; brothers Dennis (Myrtis) Zinter and Russ Olson; sisters Audrey (Dan) Kavanaugh and Renee (Dennis) Laubach; brother-in-law, William McCabe; sisters-in-law, Laurel Olson and Debbie (Frank) Susice; aunt, Jorraine Zack; and extended family and friends.

Ernie’s family would like to thank Essentia Health Hospice and Moose Lake Hospital for helping care for him these past few months.

Ernie will be laid to rest at a graveside memorial service at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at the Holyoke Cemetery in Holyoke. A memorial gathering reception will follow at the Holyoke Town Hall.

In lieu of flowers, plant a tree, or direct memorials to the Holyoke Township cemetery fund. Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.