Ernest Sylvester Kukowski

Ernest Sylvester Kukowski, age 91 of Elk River, MN, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025. He was born in Leo, MN on December 31, 1933 to John and Marian (Wirkus) Kukowski.

He attended country school through 8th grade then farmed in the area, Ernest enlisted in the US Army in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1956. He was united in marriage to Darlene J. Gramstad on March 5, 1955 in Badger, MN. The two made their home in    Brooklyn Center and he worked for Consolidated Freightways for many years until his retirement, then moved to Elk River.

Ernest enjoyed, playing cards, fishing, going up north to the family farm and staying at the cabin on Rabbit Lake, later in life he enjoyed shooting pool. He was always there for his family.   

He is preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; parents, John and Marian; brothers, Leonard, Kenneth, Daniel and Norbert; sister, Vangie Gramstad; sister-in-law, Marcie; brothers-in-law, Jerome Koshenina, Gerry Shelby and Willard Monsrud; and, son-in-law, Brian Letellier.

Ernest is survived by his children, Jim (Peggy Tolman), Bruce, Patti (Rich Cline), Carol Letellier, Pam (Randy Alery); grandchildren, Kirsten (Marc) Morgan, Josh (Molly), Chase, Carly (Andrew) Goularte, Mallory and Dane Schumacher, Blake, Colton and  Ethan Letellier; great-grandchildren, Crosby, Tucker, Cecelia, August, Archie, Jackson, Ava; sisters, Elinor Koshenina and Mary Shelby; brother, Leroy (Kristin); brothers-in-law, Rodger  and Gaylan (Corrine) Gramstad; sisters-in-law, Verna Monsrud and Judy; special daughters-in-law, Mary Jo and Joan; special Godchild, Shelly Gramstad; and many other family and friends.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM, with visitation beginning at 11:30 AM, at the Church of Saint Andrew, 566 4th Street NW, Elk River, MN. Burial with Military Rites will be held at St Aloysius Cemetery in (Leo) Greenbush, MN at a later date.

Services will be livestreamed at: Ernest's Memorial Mass

In lieu of memorials please give to a cause important to you.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com

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