Obituary of Denni Jan Ernst

Denni Jan Ernst

July 30, 1975 – April 7, 2023

The family of Denni Jan Ernst are saddened to announce her passing as a result of a heart attack on April 7th in Mission, BC. Denni was 47.

Denni was born in Saskatoon to Gerald and Yvonne Ernst. She completed her elementary schooling in Shellbrook, with time at Wild Rose School. Denni completed high school at Carlton Composite High School in Prince Albert. She was a very intelligent young lady, skipping grade one and graduating at the young age of only 16. Denni completed university courses in French before moving to Winnipeg to pursue a degree in sound engineering. Once completed, she worked at Gordie Brandt’s music store and worked a number of gigs, putting her musical gifts and talents to good use. Those who knew Denni, know she was very musical, taking piano and then guitar lessons in her youth. She even played the french horn in high school and in a community band in Prince Albert. Her early career offered her several opportunities to be around music and musicians.

After a time, Denni pursued a degree in business and worked for Health Canada, the Federal Penetentiary, and numerous social agencies working with vulnerable community members. Denni spent time in Gravelbourg and Rosetown as an executive director of programming where she left a lasting impact on those associations. Her kind and gentle nature left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know her in those communities. Two years ago, Denni made the decision to move to British Columbia to be a caregiver to her mother-in-law.

Denni’s passions in life were her two sons, Dallas and Dylan, and her music. Even when pursuing her own goals, like running a marathon, her focus was on sharing those experiences with her family. Running a marathon in San Fransico meant planning a Disneyland vacation for her boys. Dallas and Dylan were always in her thoughts and at the time of her passing, Denni was making plans to move closer to them.

Denni approached each day with a positive attitude and a big smile. Even when faced with ongoing medical challenges, she refused to let life bring her down and found the positives in every situation she faced.

Denni will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Dallas and Dylan Nelson, (their father David Nelson); her parents, Gerald and Yvonne Ernst; brother, Jody Ernst (Elaine); sisters, Camille Bregenser and Richelle Anderson (Jon); her nephews, Sean, Owen, and Ian Ernst, Arland Anderson, and Keastyn Bregenser; and nieces, Brooklyn Anderson and Lyrik Bregenser. Denni will be sorely missed by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Lawrence and Florence LaFaver and Ralph and Sophie Ernst; as well as by several uncles and cousins.

A Viewing will take place on Thursday, April 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., in Aldergrove, BC with cremation to follow.  A Memorial Service was held in Prince Albert, SK on May 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Club, 900 – 22nd Street East, Prince Albert, SK.   For those who were unable to attend the service a link to the recording has been provided - https://youtu.be/W7JmuttSMjc

In memory of Denni, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6 or the Holy Trinity Cemetery in Sturgeon Valley, SK.  Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.

Let the music be your life and the lyrics be your story.

Denni, keep smiling and keep singing.

We love you and will keep you in our hearts forever.