Ernest "Erny" Andrew Giffey Jr. was born August 6, 1929 in Garrison, ND to Ernest Sr. and Marvel (Larson) Giffey. He was raised in rural Roseglen and attended school in Roseglen and Ryder, graduating from Ryder High School in 1947. While growing up Erny was very active in sports including basketball, baseball, and softball. He played basketball in the Independent League for White Shield and played baseball in the Reservation League for Roseglen. He was very proud that their baseball team won three League Championships in the ten years of the league's existence.
While attending school in Ryder, he met the love of his life, Venetia Geving. Erny and Venetia were married June 19, 1949 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Ryder. They made their home on the Giffey homestead where they farmed with Erny's father and brother and started their family. In 1957 they moved to their farm 2 miles south of Roseglen where they raised their four children and farmed small grains and raised sheep. During the winter months in the early 1950's, Erny worked for the construction company that was building the White Shield School. He was a self-taught carpenter and there are many homes throughout McLean County and the surrounding areas that contain Erny's handywork.
Erny was very active all his life. He loved to hunt pheasants and geese with family and friends in the Bottineau and Golden Valley areas. He also loved to garden and was instrumental in starting the farmer's market in Garrison. Together Erny and Venetia spent countless hours preparing crafts to sell at local craft shows including the Dicken's Village Festival in Garrison and the Makoti Threshing Show. They also enjoyed traveling and made numerous trips to California during the winter months.
In his "spare" time Erny was involved in many organizations including 4-H, Immanual Lutheran Church Board in Roseglen, Farmer's Union Oil Board for 18 years, West McLean Soil Conservation and the North Dakota Soil Conservation Board serving as State President for one year. He was very instrumental in Roseglen's 50th Anniversary Celebration in 1967 that at the time was a huge event for the area.
Above and beyond all his accomplishments and busyness, Erny's family came first. Family get togethers and time with his children and grandchildren were always a priority. Their time together will always be cherished and forever fondly remembered.
Erny is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Venetia, Garrison; children, Kyle (Sandy) Giffey, Garrison, Kandis (Tracy) Horn, Ryder, ND, Kelly (Colette) Giffey, Roseglen, ND, Kari (Jerry) Evenson, Coleharbor, ND; 10 grandchildren; 17 ½ great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Jack (Phyllis) Geving; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He preceded in death by his parents, step mother, Signe Deardurff Giffey, grandson, Curtis Giffey, brother and sister-in-law, Donald (Avis) Giffey, and sister, Dorothy Giffey.