Ernest L. Bethke

Ernest L. Bethke, age 77, of Elgin, died on November 1, 2018, after a lengthy illness at Rochester East Health Services in Rochester. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, November 5, 2018, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, with Reverend Terrill Bramstedt officiating. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Ernest Lawrence Bethke was born on December 17, 1940, in Rochester, to Lawrence and Helen (Farwell) Bethke. He graduated from Elgin High School. Ernest was a longtime resident of Haverhill Township where he farmed for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Ernest is survived by his sister, Caroline (Archie) Langdon of Rochester; nieces, Tammy Drees of Stewartville and Christina (Richard) Kent of Winona; nephew, Archie Langdon Jr. of Rochester; 8 great-nieces and nephews. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents.