Ernest Martinez 1958 - 2022
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted May 23, 2022 | 3:42 PM / 642 views
Ernest “Ernie” Martinez, age 64, of Kenel South Dakota, entered the spirit world at Mobridge Regional Hospital in Mobridge South Dakota May 21, 2022. He had faced a diagnosis of cancer, made in 2021, with determination and extreme toughness.
Ernie was born March 1, 1958 to Jullian Martinez and Delores Bearking Martinez in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. During his childhood, Ernie was an avid 4-H horseman, winning multiple blue ribbons. He loved playing basketball, winning a state championship during his career. He married Wendy Sawyer Sept. 7, 1985 in Rapid City South Dakota.
During his early adulthood, Ernie moved to Colorado with his brother Julian Jr, where he worked for Preston Steele. After getting married, Ernie, Wendy, and Carlos moved to Spokane, Washington where he worked for Cobra Corp building the steel framework for multiple buildings in the Spokane area. After moving back to South Dakota in 1998, he moved to Kenel, South Dakota and opened the Kenel Community Store where he spent the rest of his years providing food and gasoline to the people of Kenel and surrounding areas. He was also the treasure of the Kenel Land and Livestock.
Survivors include wife Wendy Martinez of Kenel, South Dakota; sister: Paula (Pedro) Ramirez of Rapid City, SD; Brothers: Larry (Joyce) Martinez of Kenel, SD, Dean (Cathy) Martinez of Greeley, CO, and Doug Martinez of Rapid City, SD; children: Carlos (Allison) Martinez of Kenel, SD, Mary Martinez of Rapid City, SD, and Lukas (Caitlin) Martinez of Killeen, TX; Grandchildren: Landen Martinez, Quinn Martinez, Sofia Martinez, Charlotte Martinez, Sai Rosario Martinez; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Jullian and Delores, sisters; Tonda, Carmelita, and Sharon, and brother Jullian Jr.
Memorial services will be June 7, 2022 at 7pm at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church in Kenel, South Dakota. Funeral and burial services will be announced and held at a later date.
Ernest was a kind and loving father, husband, nephew, and friend. He met many people throughout his lifetime, and was loved by many. Toksha ake, Ernie.
Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge is in charge of arrangements.