Ernest Brusven was born April 7, 1930, to Arnold and Johanna (Hanson) Brusven. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a cook and was stationed in Japan. On September 19, 1954, Ernie was united in marriage to Marilyn Rose Schlemmer at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. He farmed, milked cows and raised livestock near Cottonwood, Minnesota, alongside his wife and son, Scott, his entire life. His passions in life included gardening, hunting, fishing, playing cards, dancing, spending time with family and friends and, most importantly, singing the good morning song and doing dum-de-di-de-do with grandchildren. He passed away Friday, July 25, 2008, in his home in rural Cottonwood surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer, at the age of 78 years, 3 months and 18 days. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of Cottonwood; his children: Cheryl (Gary) Bitker of Milroy, Minnesota; LeAnn Brusven of Cottonwood, Minnesota; Kevin Brusven (Tom Schierholz) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Scott (Kristy) Brusven of Cottonwood, Minnesota; grandchildren Travis (Sara), Rhonda and Courtney Bitker, Drew Zachow, and Anna Brusven; and great granddaughter Avery Bitker. He is also survived by siblings Anton (Dorothy) Brusven, June Weaver, and Sam (Kathleen) Brusven; sister-in-law Velda Brusven; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Johanna; brother Milo; and brothers-in-law Raymond Mohwinkel and Harold Schlemmer. Ernie wanted to be remembered as "an honest man." Blessed be the memory of Ernie Brusven. Visitation Monday, July 28, 2008 ~ 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Prayer Service 8:00 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Tuesday, July 29, 2008 * 10:00 a.m. St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Allan E. Johnson Readers Sharon Schimnowski ~ Cheryl Bitker LeAnn Brusven ~ Scott and Kevin Brusven Organist, Marge Haaland Special Music Travis Bitker (Grandson) ~ "Amazing Grace" Drew Zachow (Grandson) ~ "Borning Cry" Kristy Brusven (Daughter-in-law) Mitch and Roberta Brusven (Nephew and Niece) "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" Casket Bearers (Grandchildren) Travis Bitker ~ Rhonda Bitker Courtney Bitker ~ Drew Zachow Steve Mohwinkel (Nephew) ~ David Lien (Friend) Final Resting Place St. Lucas Lutheran Cemetery, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Military Rites American Legion Post 503 Cottonwood, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota