Ernest `Ernie` Rothen, Jr.

Ernest W. "Ernie" Rothen, Jr., 84, of rural Pine Island, died Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at Rochester Health and Rehab East. The funeral service will be held at 12 PM, Saturday, September 23, 2006 at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Mahler Chapel in Pine Island, with the Rev. Terje Hausken officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Island Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Charles Cowden Post #184 of Pine Island. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Ernest W. Rothen, Jr. was born October 30, 1921 in Milton Township, Minnesota to Ernest Sr. and Bertha (Schlappe) Rothen. He enlisted in the US Army on March 11, 1942 and served in the Hawaiian Islands, Gilbert Islands and Iwo Jima. Ernest was stationed on Iwo Jima when the atomic bombs were dropped. He was honorably discharged on November 22, 1945. Ernest married Betty Klingsporn on April 10, 1949 at First Baptist Church in Rochester. The couple farmed in rural Pine Island for over 50 years until retirement. Ernest enjoyed gardening and reading. He is survived by his wife, Betty of Rochester; one son, David (Mary Jo) Rothen of Wanamingo; three daughters, Judy and Jill Rothen, both of Minneapolis and Nancy Rothen of Rochester; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Lou (Clarence) Knight of Battle Mountain, Nevada. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; one son and one sister, Rose Barnes.