Ernest L. Minelli

Ernest Minelli, 90, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at St. Marys University Parish with Father Will Prospero presiding. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Rd., on Tuesday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 8 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Minelli Family Endowed Award through Central Michigan University. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Ernest was born May 11, 1921, in Gwinn, MI, son of the late Peter and Louise Catherine (Donda) Minelli. After graduating from Gwinn High School, he joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He was a tech sergeant with the 42nd Rainbow Division in France and received a purple heart. On Aug. 28, 1948, he married Jean Reynolds in Gladstone. Ernest obtained his bachelor degree from Northern Michigan University and achieved his doctorate from Wayne State University. For a short time he was a teacher at Alba High School and Michigan Tech. The majority of his career was spent at CMU where he was a professor and administrator from 1955-1986. He retired as Vice-Provost for Planning, Instruction and Research and later was awarded Vice-Provost Emeritus status. Some of Ernests favorite pastimes were spending time at his cabin in the Upper Peninsula, architectural design (having designed his own home), caring for his yard, attending World War II reunions, and supporting the Chippewas at CMU basketball and football games. But mostly, he enjoyed spending time with his loving family and close friends. Ernest is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Jean Minelli; three children, Mark (Deb) Minelli and Thomas Minelli, both of Mt. Pleasant and Leslie Minelli of Little Rock, AR; four grandchildren, Cady (Bryan) Haveman of Grand Haven, Gina Minelli of Naperville, IL, Michelle Minelli of Marquette and John Minelli of Eagleville, TN; two great-grandchildren, Owen Haveman and Isabelle Chamberlain; a third great-grandchild-to-be; sister-in-law, Ruby Minelli of Gwinn; and his faithful canine, Charlie Brown. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Anthony, Frank and Joseph Minelli; and his sister, Mary McKenzie.