Ernest "Ernie" W. Mau

Ernest “Ernie” W. Mau, 76, Tolley, ND, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the family ranch.  Ernest was born on October 18, 1944 in Ward County to Bill and Dena (Savelkoul) Mau. He was raised and educated in rural Tolley, graduating from Tolley High School in 1962. Following graduation, Ernie attended the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, as well as auctioneers school in Mason City, IA. On December 30, 1967, Ernie was united in marriage to Shari Briggs and they worked side by side for 53 years.  Ernie started Great Plains Aero, an aerial spraying business, with Palmer Brekhus in 1966. He was also active in farming and ranching. In 1988, Ernie began raising top quality elk with the help of his family. In 2018, Ernie, along with sons Tim and Tom and grandson Caden, started a bison feedlot operation.  Ernie was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved to go to the rodeo. Ernie enjoyed spending time with his family, and his eyes lit up every time he saw his grandkids! He also loved a good argument. Ernie was president of his local school board and a member of the Roosevelt Township board, the North Dakota Elk Growers board, and for many other organizations.  Ernie is survived by his wife, Shari; children, Tim (Lori Duvall), Tom (Mechell Holien), and Tonya (Bryan) Kellenberger; grandchildren, Tayler and Caden Mau, Tayten Reid and Harley Mau, and Jentz and Ryal Kellenberger; sister-in-law Thelma; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended relations.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ed and Herman; and sisters, Mae, Myrtle, Maureen, Betty Lou and Delores.  A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Kenmare. The service will be recorded for the public to view and can be accessed by going to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkw5wBH7W_IUwKUcuLvhgOw. Burial will be at St. Charles Cemetery in Tolley, with a gathering at the Tolley Fire Hall to follow. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 19 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home in Kenmare