Ernest Haven, 80 of Dickinson, formerly of Grenora, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away peacefully after a courageous four year battle with cancer at his home, surrounded by family on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Ernie was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Ernest’s Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m., CDT on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Williston with Father Jacob Degele as celebrant. Interment will take place at Grenora Cemetery, Grenora. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CDT on Friday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Williston with a Vigil at 7 p.m. CDT with Father Jacob Degele presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Williston.
Ernest Alfred Haven was born on August 7, 1944 to Henry and Emmaline (Abdo) Haven of rural Bonetrail, ND. He attended Mishke and High Cliff Schools. After completing the eighth grade, Ernie worked in the area doing various jobs, and he lived for a short time with his Aunt Mabel Boeckes in Williston. He later moved to Grenora which is where he met his forever sweetheart, Pearl Hendrickson. They were united in marriage on June 6, 1970 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Grenora. He and Pearl enjoyed many activities together over the years; including bowling, dancing together in their kitchen, sneaking kisses from one another, taking road trips, competing with one another trying to win big in area casinos, taking their number one sidekick, Jersey, for walks several times a day, and, most importantly, spending time with their daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The majority of Ernie’s career was spent as a mechanic until his well-deserved retirement in October of 2018. This is also when they moved from Grenora to Dickinson.
Through grease-stained hands and an endless well of knowledge, he kept engines running and hearts full. Whether in the repair shop or at home, he worked tirelessly to ensure his family had everything they needed, teaching his daughters not just about life, but about resilience, love, and the value of hard work.
Ernie’s “check engine light” came on in October 2021…and a cancer diagnosis was confirmed. Yet, true to his nature, he faced his diagnosis like he handled every tough repair—with determination, grit, and an unwavering spirit. He fought a courageous battle against it, never letting it dim the warmth he shared with those around him. Throughout his journey, he had quite an abundance of shop hands by his side.
Though Ernie’s spark has dimmed, the force of his legacy continues to drive forward in the hearts of those who remain. He is survived by his one true love, Pearl, of 55 years, as well as his three daughters: Shelley (Jeff) Larson (and their children Kasey and Kylie (Hunter Rossland); Julie (Jason) Degele (and their children Father Jacob Degele, Joelle (Jaymin) Dolechek and their children Jaylie, Oaklynn and Emmaline, and Jaryn Degele; Christy Haven (Kelly Heller) and (her daughters Tessa (Collin) Hill (and children Max and Charlie), Hope (Chase) Spitz (and baby Spitz), and Guy Mettler (Kloe Billings).
In addition, he is survived by his siblings Alfred Haven, Donald Haven, Doris Bauer, Donna Regimbald and Dianne Haven as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
As Ernie completes his final run, his engine now silent, he is lovingly welcomed into the embrace of those who powered their journey before him, including his parents, Emmaline and Henry Haven, twin brother Erling Haven, sister Dorothy Blakemore, brother Theodore Haven, as well as many other loving family members.
Ernest leaves behind a legacy built on putting everyone’s needs ahead of his own, as well as an endless love for his family. While we will miss him deeply, we find solace in knowing he’s at peace—where the engines never fail, and the road ahead is smooth.
