Ernest Sidney Hunter passed away peacefully with family by his side at the Windom Area Hospital on July 23, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. Ernie was born June 6, 1952, in Windom, Minnesota to the late Sidney and Florence (Menken) Hunter. He was baptized and later confirmed at the Methodist Church in Windom.

Ernie received his education in the Windom Schools graduating in 1970. On March 23, 1974, he married the love of his life Kari Flatgard at the American Lutheran Church in Windom. They were married 51 years. They were blessed with a daughter, Amy Hunter, a son Jeffrey Hunter and three granddaughters, Sydney Toliver, Alexis Diggins, and Ava Diggins. Ernie was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his great grandson. Ernie continued to live in Windom. He worked at Wayne Feeds and the Toro company. He drove semi for Toro for 17 ½ years hauling parts, lawn mowers and snow blowers.

A devoted father, husband and friend, Ernie was a man who found joy in the simple things. He had a deep respect for nature and a passion for the great outdoors. He found his joy in the early morning stillness of a deer stand, the thrill of a flushing pheasant, the calls of ducks and geese overhead, and the peaceful patience of casting a fishing line. Whether it was the quiet of a backwoods trail or the camaraderie of a goose blind, he was most at home in the field or on the water. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his love for his family.

When he wasn't in camo or waders, Ernie could often be found on the golf course, enjoying the game, the fresh air, and the good company. He appreciated a well-struck shot almost as much as a good laugh with friends. He liked playing 4-H softball for years in Springfield township for the Springfield Sparklers and also loved watching his granddaughters play volleyball and listening to the viola in the school orchestra. His preferred music is Classic Rock and listened to it while driving down the road in the semi.

He is survived by his wife, Kari Hunter; his daughter Amy (Patrick) Hunter; his son Jeffrey Hunter; sister Elaine (Ken) Gansen, brother-in-law, Doug (Becky) Cottington, sister-in-law, Kathy (Jim) Effle; brothers-in-law, Danny (Sherry) Flatgard, and Dan (Barb) Solberg; his granddaughters, Sydney Toliver, Alexis and Ava Diggins; nieces and nephews, Lynne (Dave) Runchey, Erin (Luke) Hanana, Gary (Becca) Gansen, Mark (Kendra) Gansen, Ryan Effle, Erin (Scott) Spritzer, Nicholas (Britney) Flatgard, Jacob Flatgard and Katelyn Flatgard. We will miss him dearly but find comfort knowing he's found a peaceful blind in the sky, where the season never ends.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Florence Hunter, mother and father in-law Dwayne and Joy Flatgard and his sister, Susan Cottington.

The family is honoring Ernie's request to not have a service.