Jean Ann Ernesti

Jean Ann Ernesti, age 85, of Yankton, South Dakota died on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at her residence.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with Deacon Jack Dahlseid officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Howells, Nebraska. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home.

Jean was born December 3, 1939 in West Point, Nebraska to Theodore and Sophia (Reiman) Dinslage. Her mother died when Jean was at a young age. Several years later, her father married Mamie Petz. Jean grew up in West Point and graduated from West Point Central Catholic High School. She then graduated from Wayne State College with her degree in education. On September 26, 1959, Jean married Dennis Ernesti. Jean’s entire working career was spent in education, mainly in the Catholic School System. She started as a teacher and later became a principal after she obtained her Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Jean worked at St. John’s Catholic School in Howells, NE, 1 R Country School in rural Howells, St. Wenceslaus Catholic School in Dodge, NE, St. Michael’s Catholic School in Sioux City, IA and finally at St. Bernadette Catholic School in Bellevue, NE. She loved teaching and loved her students. Jean retired and moved to Yankton in 2006 and worked part time at Walmart. Jean enjoyed working in her garden and did lots of canning. In her later years, she enjoyed going to the casino. Jean also loved quilting and caring for her rose bushes.

Jean is survived by three sons: Randy Ernesti of Norfolk, NE, Tim (Tami) Ernesti of Olathe, KS and Kevin Ernesti of St. George, UT; six grandchildren: Austin (Jenna) Ernesti, Lonie Ernesti, Adam Ernesti, Rebecca Ernesti (Brian Sussman), Charles Ernesti (fiancé, Madison Krannawitter), and Domonic (Krystina) Ernesti; and six great grandchildren: Wyat, Ophelia, Henry, Piper, Enzo and Camille.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Dennis in November 1984.