Earnest William Fortner

EARNEST WILLIAM FORTNER, age 68 of Waterville, died on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Waseca.

Born on May 7, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was the son of Earnest Ray and Marlene (Juenemann) Fortner. He attended Blooming Prairie High School, graduating with the class of 1975. Earnie continued his education at Pine Tech in Pine City where he studied Taxidermy. Following his education he lived in Pine City for a few years, and he started a family with Cindy Davis. Together they had three daughters that he cherished deeply. They moved as a family to Columbia Heights before living in Fridley for several years. In 1997 Earnie moved to Waseca and lastly made Waterville his home.

Earnie was a skilled taxidermist, working for generations of families as well as traveling around the country preparing animals for Cabela’s Animal Exhibits where he received his certificate in Pachydermy with which he went on to mount elephants and other large game. He was an artistic individual who also dabbled in woodworking and painting. He loved what he did! In his free time Earnie enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing guitar, and enjoying the outdoors. Although Earnie wasn’t a regular church goer, he was raised in the Catholic faith and he carried his strong faith with him daily. He will be remembered as a strong man with integrity and as the most loving father his girls could have asked for. He was a blessing in the lives who loved him.

Earnie is survived by his daughters: Crystal Fortner of Minneapolis, Jessica Fortner of Minneapolis and Jennifer Fortner of Memphis, TN; three grandchildren: Jaelyn Fortner, and Jayveon and Cameron Knox; the mother of his children, Cindy Davis of Robinsdale; dear friend and neighbor, Gail Hildebrant; sister, Pam (Scott) Carlson of Blooming Prairie; nephew, Jake (Brittany) Wheeler; nieces: Melissa Morton-Nussbaum and Heather Morton; other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Juanita (Terry) Wheeler.

A private family celebration of Earnie’s life will be held.