THELMER “BUD” EERNISSE

August 2, 1935– April 18, 2025

Thelmer “Bud” Carol Eernisse was born on August 2, 1935, to Henry and Hattie (Renskers) Eernisse in Timber Lake, South Dakota. At a young age, Bud’s dad passed away and he stepped up for his family. Early on in his childhood, he moved with his family to Chandler, Minnesota, and attended school and graduated high school in Chandler. While going to school, he enjoyed playing baseball.

On April 26, 1958, he was married to Marlyn Westenberg at the American Reformed Church in Luverne, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they resided in Luverne where he was employed as a lineman for Bell Telephone Company. Together the couple welcomed three sons, Todd, Kent, and Lyle, and celebrated 58 years of marriage together. The couple moved to Pipestone, Minnesota, and he continued working for Bell Telephone Company.

On June 29, 2016, Marlyn preceded him in death. After her death, he continued living in Pipestone. He entered the Pipestone County Hospice House on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, and passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the age of 89 years, eight months, and 18 days.

 Bud was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Pipestone where he served as an elder and greeter and worked the sound system. He was also a member of the Hiawatha Club where he ran sound and assisted with the Pipestone County Fair sound systems. In his later years, he volunteered at the Pipestone County Medical Center as a greeter. He enjoyed puzzles, cards and board games, he was always bringing them out at family gatherings. He loved golfing up until his last few years and every Easter break, he would get in a car with Alex and Todd and they would drive until it was warm enough out to golf. They never had a destination in mind. He also loved fishing with Kent and his enjoyed many summers at the resort on a lake in Park Rapids, Minnesota.

 He is lovingly remembered by his sons, Todd (Donna) Eernisse of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Kent Eernisse and Lyle Eernisse, both of Shoreview, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Devin Eernisse of Huntsville, Alabama and Alex (Leah Black) Eernisse of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; one brother, Harlan Eernisse of Burnsville, Minnesota; one brother-in-law, Ken (Joy) Westenberg of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; and special friend, Jan Huebner of Pipestone.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Marlyn Eernisse; one sister, Grace Schelhaas; and one brother, James Eernisse.