Ernestine Frances Rand, 95, of Owatonna, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Birchwood Cottages of Owatonna, her daughter Lajean by her side. Scores of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and neighbors came to say their goodbyes in the last days before her death.

Ernestine was born on June 2, 1928 in Garner, Iowa to Ernest and Clara (Chase) Jante. The family moved to a farm near Claremont, Minnesota when she was three years old. She grew up there, graduating from Claremont High School in 1946. Ernestine married Earl James Rand on July 15, 1946 at Grace Lutheran Church in Dodge Center. She was a homemaker in the early years of their marriage, later beginning a career at the Owatonna Canning Company. She worked there for 37 years, enjoying the camaraderie of her coworkers.

Earl and Ernie, as she was known, loved to dance. In retirement they traded the dance floor for antique shows. Hull pottery was a favorite item to collect along with salt cellars and Rosepoint. Ernie was known for her baking skills, especially her apple pies and caramel rolls, surely never to be equaled according to her family and friends. Earl and the children were treated to homemade fudge and freshly popped corn on movie nights, though Ernie rarely sat down to watch, being the embodiment of "a woman's work is never done." She loved card games, trips to Treasure Island and Mystic Lake, and occasionally Las Vegas. In later years she enjoyed winter getaways to Palm Springs for the warmth, shopping, and restaurants.

Ernie was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church in Claremont as well as its Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Claremont Study Club and the Leisure Hour Circle, a.k.a. the Margarita Club, attending her final meeting in January 2024.

She is survived by daughters Rebecca (and Bruce Binger) Rand of Stillwater, Ernestine "Stormy" (and Gary) Trom of Blooming Prairie, Lajean (and Deno) Yannarelli of Owatonna; son, Earl Harvey Rand of Rochester; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her caretaker and companion, Monica Castro. Ernestine was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Rand; parents, Ernest and Clara Jante; son, Jon Louis Rand; and brother, Robert Jante.

Funeral services will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at noon with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the St. John's Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Ecumen Hospice, 718 Mound Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001 and to the Mayo Clinic.