Ernest Counts, age 57 of Dunseith, passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Dunseith.  His funeral will be held on Friday at 10:00 am at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Dunseith.  His wake will be on Thursday starting at 5:00 pm with a rosary at 8:00 pm at the Eagle Heart Cultural Center in Dunseith.

Ernest was born on October 9, 1956, in Belcourt, North Dakota, the son of Lloyd and Louise (Trottier) Counts.  Ernest was reared in Dunseith, and he also attended school in Dunseith and went on to get his GED.  Ernest worked at several different places. He worked in the Bismarck and Minot areas. He worked at the Belcourt Fire Department, and he worked as a roustabout for the drilling rigs. Ernest was born into a family of eleven children with him being the youngest. Ernest knew he was the baby of the family and would tell his sibling he was the baby. He was close to his sisters Joann (Dolly) and Louann. Ernie and Dolly were in separately always looking out for each other. They were only one year apart, and you could tell by the way they got along. Teasing each other and always asking about each other. Ernest always made his way to visit with Louann and Swede, so no one was left out. Ernest had a kind heart, always helping in any way he could. Ernest had nicknames for siblings. Joann was Cecile and Reno was Howard, Swede was John boy Louann was Luckey Lou Jordan was Elmar and Ernie was  Bubbie.

Ernest married Peggy Olson, and they were together for 20 years. From that marriage came 3 sons. Rallen, Jordan and Ernie. This marriage later dissolved, but they remained friends. Later Ernest met Michelle Morin and they combined their families adding a 2 stepson, Justin Morin and Jordan Morin. Ernest spent 16 years with Michelle.

Ernest loved the outdoors, camping, and fishing. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and family. He loved driving around the countryside and visit with his friends and making them laugh. He had a great sense of humor; Ernest liked to tease and joke around. He also liked going to the Casino and playing with the machines. Ernest enjoyed attend Rayne school concerts and activities. He would pick Rayne up and take her visiting family. Ernest was very Passionate about football. His favorite team was the patriots. He enjoyed watching games with his family and friends.

Survived by his special companion: Michelle Morin; Sons: Jordan (Mikkala) Olson Counts Belcourt ND; Ernie (Candace) Counts Belcourt ND, Stepson Justin Morin, and Jordan Morin both of Belcourt ND.  Grandchildren Rayne Counts of Dunseith, Riggin Counts, and Kynoah Counts.  Sisters: Joann (Randy) Brunelle of Belcourt ND, Louann (Clarence) St. Claire of Dunseith, ND. Brother: Clarence Swede (Mary) Counts Dunseith ND.   God children: Cherie St.Claire, Christopher Lindteigen Jr, Mary Louise Counts and Numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents: Lloyd & Louise Counts;  Son:  Rallen Counts.  Brothers: Lloyd Counts Jr, Clifford (George) Counts, Ronald (Ronnie) Counts. Sister: Barbara Larocque.  Nephews: Brian LaRocque, Jason Counts, Jeff LaRocque, Clifford (Herbie) Counts.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.