Minna Ernst celebrates her 100th birthday at Christ Church
Minna Ernst celebrates her 100th birthday at Christ Church United Church of Christ in Des Plaines. Jim and Helen Harney hosted a 100th birthday party for Minna Ernst on Sunday, Jan. 16.
The church congregation was invited to attend. The delicious turkey dinner included Minna's favorite dessert of German chocolate cake. The Harneys, who are Minna's son-in-law and daughter, provided beautiful flower arrangements for the church altar and lovely centerpieces for each table, too. The dinner was held in Wobbe Hall after the morning's worship service. About 100 people attended. The Rev. Virginia Ericson gave the blessing.
A number of family members attended, including granddaughter Shelly Fang and great granddaughter Rachel Fang, granddaughter Anita Davis, grand son-in-law Frank Davis, great grandchildren Adam Davis, Jordan Davis, Jillion Davis and Marie Davis.
Minna Mathilde Haug was born on Jan. 13, 1911 in Heidenheim, Germany. She was the eldest of five children born to Fred and Katharine Haug. Minna's father came to America on June 12, 1923 on the U.S.S. Reliance via Ellis Island. After her dad found a job as a carpenter, the entire family came to America. They traveled first class on the Cleveland, arriving in New York on Dec. 14, 1925. The five children were 3 to 14 years old. The trip took two weeks. All, but the youngest, were seasick.
Minna had an eighth-grade education and strong homemaking skills. Arriving in Chicago, the younger children went to school. Minna went to work as a domestic doing cooking and cleaning. She learned English on the job. The family was dependent on her wages.
Her father became a citizen and proudly displayed the American flag on all holidays, stating, “We're Americans now”.
Minna met her husband, Fritz Carl Ernst at a German Social Club dance. They were married on Dec. 27, 1932. He was a baker and cake decorator at Dinkel's Bakery, where he remained for 45 years. Fritz and Minna had two daughters. Anita was born on Oct. 23, 1933. Helen was born on Sept. 16, 1940.
Minna made many of her children's clothes. She knitted stockings for her two brothers, who served in World War II.
Minna lost her husband of 60 years in 1993. They had lived for over 20 years in Arkansas, after he retired. She decided to come back to Illinois and moved to Arlington Heights in 1995 to be near her two daughters. In 2006 she moved to The Heritage of Des Plaines, where she currently resides.
She has traveled to Plantation Key Islamorada numerous times, visited both the East and West Caribbean, and seen the Bahamas, the Holy Land, Russia, Scandinavia, the Panama Canal, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In 2000 she attended the passion play in Oberammergau.
Minna is a prolific knitter and has donated many sweaters to help raise funds for Christ Church United Church of Christ and The Heritage.
Her family today includes two daughters, Anita and Helen, with their husbands, Albert, her brother, six grandchildren and spouses, 15 great grandchildren, four nieces, and one nephew.
Minna's entire church family adores her. The women of the church honored Minna at her 100th birthday party by wearing the sweaters she had made for them through the years. It was their special way of celebrating the day. Happy Birthday, Minna!!