Ernest Joseph Brien III (Jay), age 50, formerly of Waverly, passed away suddenly due to a motor vehicle accident enroute to work on November 1, 2021.

Ernie was born in Worcester, MA, on August 4, 1971 to Ernest Brien, Jr. and Colleen Maher. He was united in marriage to Jessica (Karels) on May 23, 1998 at Church of St. Mary’s in Waverly, MN. Over the years of their marriage, they settled in different places, seeking out churches and creating friends and extended family along the way (Arizona and Texas being mainstays).

Ernie was a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus in TX and AZ, priorly active in the Legion of Mary in St Cloud, MN and AZ and had a special love for the Blessed Mother. He was a hardworking man that made sure his family always had what they needed. Enjoying any time he could spend with them. He was always willing to lend a hand to those who needed it.

Over the last several years Ernest’s health declined. He was diagnosed with MS in 2015, and it was a daily battle, not just for him, but his family as well. This past year, he suffered from many heart issues, including having 3 stents placed. However, he kept getting up and going. The gym was a place he like to spend time; it helped him stay strong.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Jessica; children Aunvah (Gordon), Riley (Madeline), Katelyn, and EJ; grandson CV; mother Colleen Maher; mother-in-law Kathy (Butch) Darsow, and father-in-law Roger (Karen) Karels; siblings Tonia (Dean), Joey (Sarah), Keely, Scott, Mark, and Gail; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Jason (Liz) Karels and Emily Darsow; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; best friend Matt Browning, his father Rick and their family; and many other special friends made along the way.

Ernie was preceded in death by father Ernest, Jr; grandparents Russell and Roberta “Gram” (Trunnell) Maher, Ernest and Alma (Arpin) Brien; and angel babies Trudy, Noah, and Hope.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 10th at Church of St Mary in Waverly, MN. Visitation was Tuesday, November 9th from 5-8 pm with a Rosary at 7:30 pm and continued Wednesday, November 10th from 9-10:15 am, prior to the Mass, all in the Parish Center of the Church of St. Mary. Interment was in the church cemetery.