Paul LeRoy Ersted

It is with great sadness that the family of Paul Ersted announces his passing on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the age of 73. Paul passed away unexpectedly of cardiac arrest following surgery intending to remove cancer from his abdomen on September 12, 2024. Paul was surrounded by his loving family as he left this earth. 

Paul LeRoy Ersted Jr. was born to Paul LeRoy Ersted and Eva (Lundquist) Ersted on March 15, 1951. Paul was the 4th child of Paul and Eva, and the only son.

Paul grew up in Donnelly, Minnesota, attending grade school at Donnelly Elementary and High School in Morris, Minnesota. Paul graduated from Morris High School in 1969. During the junior and senior school years of high school, Paul got his first taste of banking during the summer months where he learned some banking basics. Of course, not all summer was spent working! He spent a considerable amount of time honing his athletic skills, playing baseball, basketball, and football. He received many trophies and rewards for his incredible athletic skills, making his family very proud. 

Paul's education in those "banking basics" took place at his Father's bank, Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Donnelly. The bank was first purchased by his grandfather, CC Ersted, and a group of investors in April of 1912, and the Bank opened for business on July 1, 1912. In 1958, Paul LeRoy Ersted, Sr took the reins, and in 1976 Paul Jr. started working at the bank. 

Following high school, Paul attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis for one quarter. The late '60s and '70s were tumultuous years for our country, so on February 5, 1970, Paul put his education on hold and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He decided defending our country was more important. After spending his last 9 months in Seoul, South Korea serving as the battalion legal clerk, he was granted an early out to resume his education at the University of Minnesota. He received an honorable discharge on September 19, 1971.

While attending the University of Minnesota, Paul met his first wife, Marjorie Jean Cross. They married on April 29, 1972 and moved back to Morris, MN where he continued his education at the University of Minnesota Morris. Their two daughters, Michelle and Erin, were born in Morris. After a partnership business of stripping furniture, buying and selling antiques, and a couple of years in Eureka Springs, AR, Paul began his career at the Bank in 1976. He purchased controlling interest of the bank in 1980. Through Paul’s leadership, the small Donnelly Bank grew into three branches which became the United Farmer’s & Merchant’s State Bank. Paul cared about giving back to the community which he loved and cherished his Donnelly roots. In July 2012, the Bank was recognized as one of the few banks that had achieved Centennial charter status. 100 years and three generations of Ersted leadership. The Bank was sold in November of 2013.

On November 23, 2002, Paul married Renee Haley Hilbrand, bringing two more children into the family, Michelle and Ryan. 

In 2002 "Butch" became a member of the Hamster Organization, which is an organization formed for owners of Custom Motorcycles in 1978. Donnie Smith, originally from Donnelly, MN is one of the originators of this group, and customized a motorcycle for him in 1999. He was so proud of that motorcycle and being a part of that organization. Paul and Renee both made many friendships with the "Hamsters", and much fun was had. 

In 2003, a lot in Morris, Minnesota was purchased and a new bank building was built. 

Also in 2003, Paul and Renee purchased Sunset Bay Resort on Lake Mary, Alexandria, and turned it into a Planned Unit Development for Park Model Campers. It was a fun development that involved family, and many friends that have become like family. 

Paul aka Butch aka Books, fully enjoyed life. He loved being on the lake, boating, skiing (in his younger years), woodworking, caring for a nice lawn, riding his motorcycle, sitting around a campfire with family and friends, and watching the Minnesota Vikings; but golf, golf was his ultimate passion.

Paul loved deeply. He believed in God. He loved his family...family came first, always. His favorite times were spent with family. He loved his Country and was proud of his service in the military. He loved being a grandpa, and was always wanting to teach his grandchildren what he loved, like golfing, playing games, cards, and even woodworking!

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Ersted Sr and Eva Ersted, brother-in-law Roland Greiner, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and good friends.

He is survived by his wife, Renee; children Michelle Lee (James) Hess, Erin Ersted (Chadd Block), step-children Michelle Lea (John Kolter) Ringer, Ryan (Amanda) Hilbrand, grandchildren Jaida Hess, TJ Ringer, Maxwell Hess, Caleb Hilbrand, Ella Ringer, Jake Ringer, Henry Paul Jensen. Sisters JoAnn (Jan) Ersted Greiner, Judith/Judy (Joe) Papineau, Joyce (Ken) Beck, nieces, and nephews. Brothers-in-law Jerry (Betty) Haley, Dean (Marla) Haley, and sister-in-law Dawn (Pete) Anfinsen, nieces, nephews, and so many close friends and golfing buddies. 

Paul is now on the 19th hole lining up for that birdie putt.

A tribute to Paul will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Alexandria Golf Club, Alexandria, MN. 2:00 Visitation; 3:00 Memorial Service; 4:00-6:00 pm Celebration of Life. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Little Darling Par 3 Course, Alexandria Golf Club.