Ethel (Ahlberg) Ernst, 86, of Hermantown, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on September 27, 2016 in Palliative Care at St. Mary's Hospital. Ethel was born on January 10, 1930, in Duluth, MN to Arthur and Jennie (Autio) Ahlberg. Ethel was a graduate of Central High School in 1948. She married the love of her life, Leonard "Peewee" Ernst, on December 30, 1949 and enjoyed 66 years of marriage. Ethel worked at the Duluth Clinic in Medical Records for 30 years and retired in 1995. Ethel had a wonderful and adventurous spirit and after retiring, she and Leonard enjoyed traveling and wintering in South Padre Island, Texas. Ethel enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, gardening, cooking, and gathering with her friends from Duluth Clinic at Retiree luncheons. Ethel will always be remembered for her bright smile and infectious laugh, as a beautiful, kind, gentle, and loving woman who was dedicated to her husband, their two sons, Leonard Jr. and Terry, and all her family. Ethel is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Jennie Ahlberg. Ethel is survived by her husband, Leonard Ernst; sons, Leonard (Angela) Ernst, Terry (Becky) Ernst; brother, Wesley (Margarette) Ahlberg; sister, Nancy (Andy) Kazukewic; grandchildren, Chris, Jeremy, and Raini; four great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many other loving and caring family and friends. Ethel touched the hearts of all who knew her and will be greatly missed by all who loved her. VISITATION: 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown; Funeral service to follow at 3 p.m.