Ernestine Anthonette Fagerberg

Ernestine was born on May 17, 1931, in Colorado, to Matias and Maria (Bernal) Mares.

On July 5, 1955, Ernestine married the love of her life, Donald Lee Fagerberg. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children. In 1959, they made Greeley, Colorado, their home, where they shared more than six decades of love and memories until Donald's passing on March 7, 2025. Ernestine and Donald were true soulmates, devoted to one another through everything life brought their way. Of all the things Ernestine enjoyed, her favorite pastime was simply holding hands with her husband. They were happiest by each other's side, always ready to follow one another wherever life led them.

Ernestine worked at Hewlett-Packard while also dedicating much of her life to caring for her family. She had a creative spirit and loved making things with her hands. She especially enjoyed creating unique flower arrangements using things she found in nature, including cattails, thistles, and other wild plants. She also had a love for embroidery and took great joy in making special pieces for her family. Everyone in the family has a set of hand-embroidered tea towels made by Ernestine, a treasured reminder of the time and love she put into everything she created. She was also a wonderful cook who made sure everyone was well fed. Whether she was preparing a meal or hosting a family gathering, no one ever left her home hungry.

Ernestine was known for her wicked sense of humor and her complete lack of a filter. She had a way of saying exactly what was on her mind, often at the most unexpected and sometimes least appropriate moments. Her quick wit and unfiltered remarks kept those around her laughing and made her all the more unforgettable.

She enjoyed being part of a bowling league and maintained close friendships with the ladies she bowled with, continuing their tradition of getting together for coffee every week. Ernestine also loved shopping and had a particular fondness for clothes and shoes. She enjoyed putting together outfits, finding new additions to her wardrobe, and appreciating a good sense of style. Even when watching sports, she was often far more interested in the hairstyles, shoes, and clothing of the people in the audience than what was happening in the game. She also enjoyed playing dice games, taking trips to Black Hawk with Jean and Becky, and traveling to places such as the Dakotas, Tennessee, Alaska, and Las Vegas.

Above all, Ernestine treasured her family. She loved spending time with her children and loved ones, bringing everyone together whenever possible. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and found joy in caring for others. Her family will remember not only her generosity and loving heart, but also her humor, her honesty, and the laughter she brought into their lives.

Ernestine will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her son, Michael Alan (Kelley) Fagerberg; daughter, Gwendolyn Lee (Bob) Purcell; son-in-law, Richard Asmussen; grandchildren, Becky (Mike) Dorn, Brandon Fagerberg, Niki (Rob) O'Connor, Carol Ann Purcell, Jenni Purcell, Liz Bahr, Kelsey Fagerberg, and Angie (Payne) Brewer; and great-granddaughter, Jinora.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Lee Fagerberg; son, William "Bill" Henry Fagerberg; daughter, Sylvia Jean "Jeannie" Asmussen; and siblings, Ernest Mares, Elvira Herrera, Lydia Lleyba, Floyd Mares, Helen Rangel, Josie Stuts, Ray Mares, Evangeline Mares, and Sylvia Mares.

Ernestine leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories, from her handmade flower arrangements and embroidered tea towels to her unforgettable one-liners and the love she shared with Donald. She will be remembered as a woman who loved deeply, spoke her mind, found humor in just about anything, and never needed much more than the hand of the man she loved in hers.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Allnutt Funeral Service, Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, Colorado.