Ernest "Ernie" Fyre

   Ernest “Ernie” Fyre, 75, of Hillsboro, ND formerly of Portland ND died on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at the Sanford Hospital in Hillsboro, ND.

   Ernie Fyre was born on November 2, 1947 to Edmer and Gladys (Flaten) Fyre. Ernie was born and raised in rural Portland with his parents and younger brother, Kenny. They learned to work hard, but always found time to enjoy family, play cards and enjoy conversation. Ernie was a lifetime member of Aurdal Lutheran Church and graduated from Portland High School. Go Pirates! After high school he attended Mayville State University where he majored in Math with a minor in German.

   On May 31, 1980 he married the love of his life, Nancy Henderson. They lived their life on the farm in Portland where they raised their three children Mia, Robert and David. As a family they enjoyed sporting events, camping and hunting trips, and lake cabin activities. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren and could often be seen in a gym or at the ball field cheering them on.

   Ernie was a lifelong farmer and loved everything about farming. Whether he was sitting on his 656 International tractor, feeding the cattle or riding his motorcycle to check the crops, he never called farming work because he loved it so much, or maybe because he was able to do it alongside his brother Kenny, who was so special to him.

   Ernie spent 37 years working at Mayville State. One of the perks of working at MSU was the ability to visit with people of all kinds. Anyone who knew Ernie knew he could start a conversation with anybody (but never end it).

    Ernie and Nancy recently moved to Hillsboro. He and his beloved dog Sami quickly become known to the town from their frequent walks and friendly conversation.

   Ernie is survived by his wife of almost 43 years, Nancy; children Mia (Tim) Kozojed, Hillsboro ND; Robert (Jessica) Fyre, Argusville, ND; David (Ivy) Fyre, Virginia MN. Grandchildren Kaden, Carson, Keira and Callie Kozojed; James, Chase, and Brooks Fyre; Kirby and Henri Fyre. Brother Kenneth (Peggy) Fyre of Portland, ND; sisters-in-law: Mary (Frank) Henderson and Barbara (Joe) Henderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents: Edmer and Gladys, and infant sister; father and mother-in-law: Howard and Catherine Henderson; brother-in-law: John Henderson; sisters-in-law: Margaret Clemdtson and Helen Tiede.

Family and friends are gathering at the Portland Senior Center from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, March 20, 2023. All are welcome.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Aurdal Cemetery in Portland, ND.