SIDNEY – Mr. Ernest “Ernie” Ouellette, Jr., 87, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, at Maine General Medical Center after a brief illness, with his loving family at his side. He was the devoted husband to Rena (Michaud) Ouellette with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.

Ernie was born Feb. 6, 1935, in Madawaska. He was a graduate of Madawaska High School Class of 1953 before proudly joining the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served during the Korean conflict and achieved the rank of sergeant.

Ernie’s true devotion was spending time with his family. He especially treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. He was a talented carpenter, skilled at remodeling churches, building homes and creating beautiful cabinetry and furniture. He began doing carpentry with his dad at the age of 9. He also enjoyed caring for his vegetable and flower gardens.

In addition to his loving wife Rena, Ernie is survived by his children Gary (Cheryl) Ouellette of Sidney, Karen Ouellette of Lewiston, Janice (Roger) Plante of Wales, Tracy (Boyd) Snowden of Sidney, and Donna (Kurt) Foster of Fairfield. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Amy Ouellette (Matthew) Emery, James (Felicity) Ouellette, Erin Plante (Nate) Rolston, Matthew Plante, Brady Snowden, Payton Snowden, Meaghan Foster (Lucas Cortes) and Brett Foster; five great-grandchildren, Elliott, Collin and Ryan Rolston, and Deacon and Drew Ouellette. He is the brother of Lorraine Lippert of Minnesota, Ray Ouellette, Lee Ouellette, and John Ouellette, all of Lewiston. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ernie was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Geri and Fred LaPointe and his brother, Gerald Ouellette.

Ernie’s visitation will be in the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church, 75 Northern Ave., Augusta at 10:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at the New Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta, Chapel. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. For those wishing to attend Ernest’s Funeral Mass remotely, please follow the live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/ernest-ouellette

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers

donations in Ernie’s name may be made to

St. Jude’s Children Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105