Ernest William Holkestad

Ernest William Holkestad, of Colton, died suddenly Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, at the age of 87. He was born in Fort Ransom, N.D., Feb. 25, 1923.

Ernie was wheelchair-bound in his last years because of a stroke in 1994. For more than 15 years his wife, Clare, cared for him in their home. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage Dec. 20.

Before World War II, Ernie worked for North American Aviation in California. He joined the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII, advancing to the rank of master sergeant and supervising a team of eight men in the 448th Bomb Group working on the top secret Norden bombsight in Seething, England. He returned to North American Aviation after the war, remaining with the company - which eventually became Rockwell International - for 42 years, and working as a human resources manager in the space division. In later years with Rockwell, Ernie traveled often to Cape Canaveral/Kennedy, always a little disappointed that he never caught a shuttle launch.

Ernie and Clare moved to Colton after his stroke to be close to their daughter and son-in-law, Jaynie and Kevin Casey, and two granddaughters, Katelyn and Krystanne. They loved the beauty of the Palouse region, their wonderful Colton neighbors and the ministry of their pastor, Dudley Nolting, and the good fellowship at Concordia Lutheran Church in Pullman.

Ernie's last months were spent in the good care of the Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston, where Ernie enjoyed the Rev. Eric Williams' Sunday chapel services. The caring staff at Vassar-Rawls attended the family at Ernie's death.

Throughout 16 years of paralysis, when asked how he was doing, Ernie always answered, "I'm just fine." As a redeemed Christian, now he truly is.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Jennie and Ragnvald Holkestad; his brother, Raymond; and his son-in-law, Kevin Casey.

He is survived by his wife, Clare; his daughter, Jaynie Casey of Colton; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Randy Pemberton of Minneapolis; and his five grandchildren, Katelyn Casey Anfinson of Calgary, Canada, Krystanne Casey of Pullman, Michelle Pemberton Erne of Geneva, Switzerland, Laura Pemberton of Minneapolis and David Pemberton of Moscow.

Burial:
Neola Township Cemetery Neola Pottawattamie County Iowa, USA Plot: Section B Row 26 Lot 84