Erna LaChappelle, age 87, of Ada, Minnesota, died Thursday, January 3rd, 2008, in Bridges Care Community, Ada, Minnesota.

Erna Alvina Aichele was born August 22nd, 1920, the daughter of Christian and Theresia (Gehring) Aichele at Garrison, North Dakota. At the age of three and a half, Erna moved with her family by covered wagon to the Williams, Minnesota community where she attended school. She received her high schooling from the Crookston Agricultural School graduating with the class of 1941. After graduating, she helped on the family farm and worked various jobs before entering the United States Navy on June 29, 1945. While in the military she was stationed in Norman, Oklahoma. After her honorable discharge on August 8, 1946, Erna was employed at the phone company in Williams, Minnesota. On December 21, 1947, Erna was united in marriage to David LaChappelle in Baudette, Minnesota. The couple lived in Wisconsin until 1949, when they returned to Williams, making their home there until1975. While there, Erna was employed at Pioneer Nursing Home in Baudette during the mid 1960's until 1968. After that she was employed at Marvin Windows for several years. In the early 1970's Erna moved to Twin Valley where she was employed at the Twin Valley Living Center until 1978. At that time she moved to the Ada area and was employed at Bridges Care Community until 1997. She continued to make her home west of Ada until moving into Ada in 2006. For the past few months, Erna had made her home in the Bridges Care Community.

Erna was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church where she attended ladies aide. She was a 4-H leader for many years as well as enjoying gardening, needlework, reading and playing the organ. She also enjoyed nature and working outdoors.

Erna is survived by daughters, Mary Ann (Dean) Bell of Ada, MN and Theresa (Ross) Warnsholz of Detroit Lakes, MN; sons, Michael (Millie) and Leon (Millie) both of Stanley, WI; 12 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren; brothers, Alvin of Pickett, WI, Herbert (Bonnie) of Owen, WI and Lawrence (Clara) of Hinckley, IL and special friend, Kenneth Aery of Baudette, MN.

She is preceded in death by parents, two sisters, Ruth Schnoor and Laura Lund.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 7th, 2008, at 10:00 AM in St. Johns Lutheran Church, rural Ada. Visitation will be Sunday, January 6th from 2PM until 5PM with a Prayer Service at 5PM at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Ada. Visitation will also be one hour before services at the church on Monday. Officiating will be Pastor Arvid Salvhus with Cammie Sorenson serving as organist and Richard Tuttle serving as vocalist. Pallbearers will be Luther Bell, Shawn LaChappelle, Dave Barkve, Bob Kinkade, Oliver Sorenson, Jr., and Arvid Pederson. Military rites will be provided by Ada Veterans Honor Guard.

Inurnment will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ada.