Reverend Ernest A. Mancini Jr., 81, of Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly of Moorhead, died Friday, December 15, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

Ernest Albert Mancini was born July 11, 1942, in Camden, NJ to Ernest A. and Virginia (Banco) Mancini.  He attended school in Pennsauken and Maple Shade, NJ through 9th grade.  He is a 1961 graduate of Morristown (NJ) High School.  He then attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, graduating in 1965.  Ernie was united in marriage to Diane Lary, on May 31, 1965, in Northfield, MN.  He then attended Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN, graduating in 1969.  Ernie served St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Roseville and Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids as an interim pastor.  His first call was from Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Benson, MN where he served from 1969 – 1972.  They moved to Moorhead, MN where Ernie served as pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 1972 – 1975.  He served as campus pastor at Concordia College in Moorhead 1975 – 1983; as Chaplain and Vice President of Home and Ministries and President of the Eventide Foundation.  In 1986, he returned to Concordia College as Exec. Vice President of Alumni and College Relations.  He retired in 2007.

Ernie enjoyed athletics, having played football and baseball.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and serving the communities in which he lived, having served on a number of boards of directors.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diane of Detroit Lakes, a daughter, Mindi (Mark) Jenson, 2 sons: Brian (Kari) Mancini and Jason Mancini, 6 grandchildren: Matthew, Jake and Nikolai Jenson; Niesha, Hannah and Logan Mancini; and his sister: Jane (Howard) Adelman.

Visitation: Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 3:00 – 6:00 pm with a time of sharing at 5:00 pm at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4000 28th Street S, Moorhead, MN.  The visitation will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral service:  Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4000 28th Street S, Moorhead, MN.