Ronnie Henry Ernesti was born March 1, 1956 in West Point to Bernard and Rhyneldis Meister Ernesti. His lifelong love for farming began at an early age on the family farm north of Aloys.  He attended St. Aloysius Catholic School and was a 1974 graduate of Central Catholic High School. On October 17, 1981, Ronnie married Linda Novak at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Howells. Ronnie farmed with his father and brother, and began a family with Linda. In 1992, they moved their growing brood to the farm east of Aloys.  It was there they raised their 5 children, worked the land and raised livestock. Family was important to Ronnie, and he enjoyed spending time with them whether it was time at work or time at play.  He listened faithfully to the grain markets, while sipping his coffee, and was a regular at the sale barn on sale day.  His faith in God, and the comfort of his farmer lifestyle strengthened him through tragic loss and powerful sickness. 

Survivors include his wife, Linda; daughters, Crystal (Chad) Marksmeier of West Point and Amy (Russ) Prusa Clarkson; sons, Adam (Kelsey) of West Point and Jacob (Jordan) of Beemer; grandchildren, Ethan and Braxton Prusa, Kayleigh, McKenzie, Addison and Chase Marksmeier, and Owen, Aubrey and Sutton Ernesti; siblings, Janice Ernesti and Mark Ernesti both of West Point; and mother-in-law, Rose Marie Novak of Howells.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Amber, in July of 2013; and father-in-law, Marvin Novak.