Ernest P. Halter, 97, passed away Sunday at Riverview Manor. Ernest Patrick Halter was born January 3, 1914 to George and Anna (O'Leary) Halter in Flandreau, SD. He attended grade school at Shady Lawn Country School. He did not attend high school because his father needed him home to help farm. Ernest married Ethel Cameron on February 8, 1937 at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Flandreau and they were married 73 years. Ethel passed away September 14, 2010. Ernest farmed in the Flandreau area for several years and later moved to Colman, SD where they farmed for 40 years before retiring in Flandreau in 1977. He was a member of Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Flandreau and also St. Peter Catholic Church in Colman. While in Colman, he donated many hours of labor for construction of St. Peter Church and rectory. Ernest was on the Board of Directors of Sioux Valley Empire Electric Association and also on the Colman Elevator Board.

Ernest is survived by four children, Corrine Wold, San Diego, CA, John Halter, Chandler, AZ, George Halter and Jean Halter, both of Flandreau; one brother Russell, Peoria, AZ; 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, his parents, three brothers Leo, Harold and William; three sisters Adeline, Ruth and Grace Jorgensen; and son-in-law Alton Wold.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation begins at 4:00 pm Tuesday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with a 7:00 pm prayer service.