Ernest 'Ernie" Grende

Ernest "Ernie" Grende was born February 11, 1956 To Louie and Verniece Grende in Baker City, Oregon. Ernie Passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 31, 2025 at the age of 69.  A Graveside Service will be held at North Powder Cemetery on July 11, 2025 - 4:00 p.m. - Friends are invited to join the family for a reception to be held immediately following the service at Ernie's home.

    Ernie was a man of the great outdoors and an avid hunter, a lover of Nature, who found immense joy in sharing his skills with his children. Whether it was a crisp morning in the mountains or a lazy afternoon at a car show.

    Ernie made friends wherever he went with his easy laughter and endless stories. Some were true and others - maybe a joke. He lived in North Powder, Oregon most his life where he raised 6 children (3 boys 3 girls) with Diana Grende.

   Ernie was active in the North Powder Lions Club as President for many years. He also started The Old Oregon Trail Cruise in North Powder and proceeded to do annually for many years after. He enjoyed classic cars and built a few also.

   Ernie worked many years as manager at Cenex in North Powder. After Cenex closed, He worked for the Nickel Newspaper and the Observer as a delivery Driver. Ernie then retired at 62.

   He was preceded death by his parents Louie and Verniece Grende

    Ernie is survived by his longtime companion and mother of his children Diana; children - Jeffrey Grende (Shawna) of North Powder, Michelle Grende of North Powder, Steven Grende (Lacey) Of Ten Sleep, Wyo., Heather Grende of La Grande, Hillary Sanchez (Alejandro) of North Powder, Gee Grende (Candice) of Halfway; siblings Judy Nelson (Steve) of North Powder, Steve Grende (Susan) of Oregon City, Sherry Clark (Glenn) of Middleton, Id, And Marilyn Grende of Milton Freewater, and 19 Grandchildren.

    Ernie will be missed dearly by many friends and family.

     For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Ernie, may do so to help defray funeral expenses through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com