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Pamela Kay (Ernst) Sjoquist, age 76, passed away peacefully with her loving husband at her bedside on Sunday, November 17, 2024.  

Pam was born to Fred and Florence Ernst in South Minneapolis. Pam is preceded in death by her parents and brother Tim Ernst. She is survived by her husband Brian; sister Sandy Maas, brother Allan (Maggie) Ernst, a niece, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and her brother–in–law Russell (Michelle) Sjoquist, sister-in-law Mary (Don) Shipp and many extended family members and friends.

Pam enjoyed a childhood of games with her siblings and summer train trips to visit her grandparents in Fargo, North Dakota. During her high school years at West High, she studied dance and was active in her church.  After high school she landed a job at IDS/American Express as a mail delivery person.  This lasted a few months until the president suggested she take a job in the insurance group.  Pam accepted the position and became a Project Manager for Insurance Product Implementation. She enjoyed her job and received many awards and acknowledgements for her excellent work over her 35 year career.

Pam had a very strong interest in fashion and jewelry.  For many years, after she completed her day job at IDS/American Express she would have a part time job at one of the downtown jewelry stores.  Pam enjoyed the access to nice jewelry and always had fantastic taste in fashion and style.  During her time at IDS, she met Brian who would later become her husband of 30 years.  She not only gained a husband but a new family that thought the world of her!  Pam and Brian were married on August 6, 1994 and lived at a couple of addresses in Bloomington.  The current house they owned was her favorite. She shined so bright when decorating for each season and holiday, especially for Christmas and hosting parties for friends and relatives.

Pam enjoyed helping people.  She took special interest and cared for her nephews Chris and David as well as her grandniece Carah. She helped take care of Brian’s parents when they grew older and needed assistance.  Pam volunteered at her church, Friendship Village, Park Nicollet Hospital and the Peace Lutheran Church Quilting Group.  And don’t forget making treats for Fire Station 6 every month. 

Pam and Brian shared so many interests and experiences.  They traveled to almost every state in the country, national parks, enjoyed cruises, winter trips to warm places and summer road trips with Brian’s mom and dad.  Over the years, she developed an interest in car shows.  Pam and Brian owned several old cars which were taken to car shows.  Her favorite car show was Back to the Fifties and her favorite car was the 1948 Buick.  As a result of the car shows, she developed new friendships with other old car loving people. Pam enjoyed flea markets, antique stores and steam engine shows, trying new restaurants, making new recipes, shopping and meeting new people.  

Pam enjoyed reading suspense novels, the Wall Street Journal, the local papers, cooking magazines and cook books. Her favorite music was 50’s and 60’s rock and roll with Elvis at the top of the list and loved to dance to these songs. She stayed current on political news and events and loved watching people debate the topics on TV.  NASCAR racing season was not to be missed and the same for Vikings football games. 

Pam enjoyed spending time at the farm in North Branch with Brian’s parents.  Pam’s mother-in – law Alice would teach her how to make several Swedish dishes, raise and sell pumpkins, pick various berries and take care of the garden and flower beds.  Her father-in-law Maurice would joke with her, show her how things worked on the farm and take her for drives on the gravel side roads to show her the countryside.  Her time with Alice and Maurice was so special for her.

Pam’s brothers and sister held a special place in her heart.  She would never let a birthday or special event go by without a card, a phone call or an invitation to dinner. 

As time went by, Pam experienced some medical setbacks.  She always rose to the occasion and met challenges with a positive outlook and energy to overcome whatever stood in the way.  Pam never gave up and worked so hard with her therapists to improve her strength and capabilities. Throughout this time, Pam deepened her relationship with God to gain strength and guidance.  She prayed for support for herself and for others around her. She knew she was blessed to have a family that loved her and always wanted the best for her.  Her husband and family were blessed to have her in their lives.

She had great tenacity to keep pushing forward even up to the very end. She was always admired by her doctors, her family and her husband as such a strong fighter. Pam’s bright spirit will be remembered fondly by her husband and all the people who loved her and were her friends.  She loved so many people and they in turn loved her and will miss her so deeply. Pam’s family expresses their deep gratitude and thanks for the Methodist Hospital Staff on 8 West for the extraordinary care they provided both Pam and Brian during her stay. We also want to express our appreciation to Pastors Mark Nelson and Joe Orner for their support.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Park Nicollet Foundation-Cancer Research at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, Spring Lake Cemetery, North Branch, MN or Peace Lutheran Church, Bloomington, MN.

Funeral services were be at 11 am on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Peace Lutheran Church in Bloomington with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Interment follows the service at Spring Lake Lutheran Cemetery in North Branch.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Branch. www.grandstrandfh.com

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