Ernest "Ernie" Lebens

Ernest "Ernie" Lebens, age 91, of Shakopee, MN, passed away on June 2, 2025 at St. Gertrude's and the Gardens Assisted Living in Shakopee, MN. Liturgy of the Word to honor Ernie will be held at 11:00 AM with Visitation time from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 833 Marschall Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379. Father Frankie Floeder will preside. Ernie will be laid to rest at Shakopee Catholic Cemetery.

Ernest Martin was born in Shakopee, MN on October 11, 1933 to Harry and Violet (Zeman) Lebens. After growing up in Shakopee, Ernie met Karen Petroska and they were married on November 8, 1952 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Chaska. Together, they began their family and were blessed with four children.

Ernie will be fondly remembered for his generous spirit, remarkable skills, and deep love for his family. In his lifetime, he pursued many hobbies, including hunting with bows and rifles, fishing in lakes and rivers, gardening—specializing in tomatoes, and woodworking.

With a knack for fixing anything, Ernie took pride in maintaining his home and repairing vehicles, always ensuring everything was in perfect working order. His generosity extended to sharing his harvests and handiwork freely with others. He adored spending time with his kids and grandkids, who brought endless joy to his life.

Professionally, Ernie started working part time as a gas station attendant, which is where he learned how to be a mechanic and later served as Maintenance Manager at the Nordic Ware foundry. His dedication and hard work left a lasting impact on both colleagues and friends.

He is loved and will be missed by his children, Nancy Koch, Lynn Denison, Patrick Lebens (Donna), Michael “Bucky” Lebens; grandchildren, Ryan Koch, Justin Lebens, Amanda Lebens, Heidi Lebens, Jason Lebens (Victoria), Jenna Lebens, Jeremy Lebens, 8 great-grandchildren, and siblings, Al (Gerty) Lebens; and many other loving family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Harry and Violet Lebens; wife, Karen Lebens; sister, Kathy Hamilton; infant brother, Dickie Lebens; brothers, Jim Lebens, Alvin Lebens, Ed Lebens.