Ernest Woytassek

Ernest Woytassek, 85, of Fargo , ND , formerly of Breckenridge , MN , died April 26, 2009 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo .

The funeral will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Breckenridge , MN , with Fr. Kenneth Popp officiating.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 30, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge , MN . There will also be visitation one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery , Breckenridge , MN . Pallbearers: Ryan Woytassek, Dustin Johnson, Ben Sommerfeld, Randy Luedtke, Curtis Johnson, Max Sommerfeld.

Ernest was born in Lidgerwood , ND , on June 16, 1923, to Joseph B. and Theresa C. (Banish) Woytassek. They lived in Geneseo , ND . In 1928 the family moved to Cayuga, ND, where he attended elementary school. After graduating from high school at Lidgerwood , ND , Ernest enrolled at the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis , MN . After graduation he moved to Aberdeen , SD , where he managed a car sales business. In 1945 he returned to the Lidgerwood, ND area where he purchased a coin-operated amusement business, which he operated as Tri-State Music . He sold the business in 2006.

On December 15, 1951, Ernest married his long-time sweetheart and love of his life, Pearl V. Hanson, in Minneapolis , MN . They lived in Hankinson , ND and had four children together. In 1964, Ernest was elected Mayor of Hankinson. He also served on the League of Municipalities and was a long-time member and President of the Minnesota Operators of Music and Amusements.

In 1968 the family moved to Breckenridge , MN where they lived until moving to Fargo , ND in 2007.

Ernest was a voracious reader, and he was passionate about his business and took great pride in his family. He loved cars, fishing, riding his lawn tractor and working in his shop; he was a talented handyman. He was a former member of Eagles Club Aerie 2749 in Wahpeton, ND and the Lion’s Club in Hankinson , ND . His favorite place to be was with his family at their summer home which was located on West Battle Lake , MN .

Ernest is survived by: His wife: Pearl Woytassek, Fargo , ND ; His sons: Vernon (Brenda), Breckenridge , MN ; Bruce (Linda Rae), Wahpeton, ND; and Michael (Dawn), Fargo , ND ; His daughter: Linda (Neal) Gaugler, Fargo , ND ; His 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: His parents: Joseph and Theresa Woytassek; and His brother: Leonard Woytassek.