Ernest Philip Marking

Ernest Philip Marking, age 75, of Dassel, died Monday, September 2, 2024, at his residence. A private graveside service will be held at the Swan Lake Cemetery with Father Brian Mandel officiating at the graveside service. The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel is in charge of the graveside service arrangements. Ernest Philip Marking, the son of Philip and Erma Lucille (Mortenson) Marking, was born on June 7, 1949, in Litchfield, Minnesota. He grew up in the Dassel area and was baptized and received first communion in the Catholic faith. Ernie was in the last class to graduate from Maynerd Lake District School and then completed his high school education by graduating from Dassel High School in 1968. Ernie attended Saint Cloud Technical College and received a degree as a Machinist. Ernie was inducted into the United States Coast Guard on October 17, 1968, and served in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on the USCGC Buckthorn until October 16, 1973, when he was transferred to the United States Coast Guard Reserve and served until the end of his reserve obligation and was discharged from the reserve on October 16, 1975. Ernie met Darlene Wallenta in 1994, he met the love of his life through a personal ad in the newspaper. They dated for 2 years and were married on May 18, 1996, at the Lake Lillian Catholic Church. Together they enjoyed 26 years of marriage living on the Marking family farm near Dassel. Ernie was employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator and helped with many road construction projects, especially Interstate 94. He was also employed at Minnesota Hatchery, American Hoist, and retired from Minnesota Rubber. Ernie and Darlene enjoyed many activities together in their 26 years of Marriage. They went to local craft fairs, rodeos, car races, the Forest City Threshing Days, and many fish fries and he was an active member of the Dassel Saddle Club, they also attended the Minnesota State Fair nearly every year. Ernie is survived by his sister, Ann (Ricky) Zillmer of Litchfield, nieces and nephews, Jessica (Darren) Randt of Litchfield, Jacquelynn (Rusty) Valiant of Litchfield, Phillip Marking (Kayla) Zillmer of Dassel, and Joanna (James) Shinnick of Litchfield, and 14 grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlen Marking on August 29, 2022, his parents, Philip and Erma Marking, and several other family members.

Ernest Philip Marking

June 7, 1949 - September 2, 2024