Bryan Karl Ernst came into this world October 3, 1959 and left to go home to be with the Lord November 8, 2023. He was a man that traveled through life living every day to the fullest.  His enthusiasm for whatever project he was working on made everyone around him want to climb on board.  His motto for life was simple, God first, friends and family next and himself last. You knew when he walked into a room that you were going to laugh or at the very least crack a smile.

He started life in the small town of Winthrop, MN before moving to Minneapolis.  He did the usual kid things through grade school and junior high. He enjoyed sports and wrestling with his brothers. Even then God had his hand on his life. He began a Bible study for kids in his home when he was in eighth grade. His love of music and film making began early. He learned to play the trombone, guitar, and piano. He was just 13 when he, John and Suzanne began singing together at many events over the years.

He graduated from Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis and then attended Golden Valley Lutheran College where his love of sports led to a place on the football team. He went on to graduate from Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma. He enjoyed school and had been working on his masters at Harvard.

After working in the oil fields in Kansas for a bit, Bryan joined the army and proudly served our nation in intelligence and was eventually stationed close to Boston. He left the army as a Captain. It was then that he began his real estate business and his music ministry in different churches and other small groups in the area.

Bryan was one of the producers for the Acts From The Heart original musical theatre production, Suddenly on Christmas Eve. He was known around New England for his portrayal of Uncle Olaf, the character he originated and played for 20 years. He wrote and directed his first short film during this time, Podiatry.   He wrote the musical score for it as well.

Bryan partnered with Acts From The Heart ministering through music and theatre in prisons, homeless shelters, and churches. Bryan also served as worship leader and guest preacher for Acton Christian Fellowship Church for 8 years. He also helped with Athletes In Action Pro Sports Ministry for over 30 years. Bryan loved everything about Boston.  He even competed and completed the 1986 and 1987 Boston Marathons. Anyone who visited him went home knowing a little bit more about American history.

He never lost his love of traveling and in the last year traveled to Ukraine to help a pastor there and also to Israel. He met and made friends all over the world.

Bryan often told stories of his Saturday morning coffee klatch and the Thanksgiving dinners with his friends. He loved the sports teams in Boston although he remained a Minnesota Vikings fan at heart. His family in Minnesota will miss his guitar on Christmas Eve, his Santa hat and his famous words to each and every niece and nephew: "Remember I am your favorite uncle." They do remember.

Bryan was a good man, a man of God and he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his father Charlie, mother Maxine, his sister, Jean and brother-in-law, Wesley. He is survived by his siblings, Julie Whiteside, John (Suzanne) Ernst, James (Sandie) Ernst and Andrew (Joy) Ernst and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will take place at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, MA, on Friday, November 17, from 5:00-8:00 PM.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Rd., Lexington, MA, on Sunday, November 19, at 4:00 PM.

Please click the  link below to view the memorial service. (The livestream will begin 10 minutes before the ceremony begins.)
 https://www.youtube.com/@memorialpictures4657/streams