Obituary - Ernest Thomas Vinberg

Ernest Thomas Vinberg, 90, retired truck driver for Burlington Northern Railroad, passed away peacefully on Feb. 28, 2016, in Havre, Montana, surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at the First Lutheran Church in Havre. His cremated remains will be scattered at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MSU-Northern Diesel Mechanic program or the MSU-Northern Rodeo team or to the donor's choice.

Hi-Line Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at http://www.hi-linefuneralservices.com. 

Ernest Thomas Vinberg was born in Unga, Alaska, on Oct. 20, 1925, to Katherine and Earnest Vinberg. 

He served his country from April 1945 through November 1946. In 1949 he moved from Alaska to Havre. He married Victoria Paluck and the couple later divorced. He then married Lauretta (Cobb) in 1965.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Lauretta (Rita), his daughters, Wanda (Steve) McIntosh, Kimberley (Robert) Grant and Stacy (Jim) Wickre, as well as his step-children, Pamela (Robert) Wright, Steve Wilson and Lana Nave, and daughter-in-law, Melanie Vinberg, siblings Emil, Hubert, Norman, Frank and Georjean.

He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Vinberg, in 2010; his mother and father; and siblings, Esther, Don, Andy and Diane.

He was honored to be called Papa by several grandchildren, great-children, and step-grandchildren whom he always managed to make laugh and filled his heart with joy.

He will be remembered fondly for his many life stories that were more entertaining than any movie. He loved sharing his life history with others, especially his children. He was a true horseman, cattleman and outdoorsman. His passion in his retirement years was feeding the deer and birds that frequented the house. His laughter and smile are now with his Heavenly Father but will always be a memory to all that knew him and a source of comfort for his family here on Earth.

We will miss you Dad and Papa. You taught us humility, humor, respect, wisdom, and strength. You were our rock, hero and our comfort. We found security in your hands. Rest now Dad, we got this.