Ernest Lester PletzerAug. 30, 1919 - April 16, 2010Ernest Lester Pletzer, 90, passed away Friday at his home. Ernie was born on the family farm outside of Aline, Okla., to Fred and Christeen Pletzer.  The family came out to Oregon and bought farmland outside of Marion in 1936. Ernie graduated from Aumsville High School in 1937. He met Ethel Sigmund in a feed store in Jefferson, and they were married in Reno, Nev. at the courthouse on Sept. 19, 1949.Ernie lived from 1936 until 2010 on the same farm land near Marion.  He farmed everything from vegetables to peppermint. He helped create the Jefferson Rural Fire District and served on its board for over 25 years. He was also Chairman of the Marion School District, and helped found the Jefferson Mint Festival.Ernie was a longtime member of the Marion Friends church. He enjoyed traveling, visiting friends, and being with family.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Gilbert; wife Ethel; and daughter Dalona.Ernie is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Valenda and Wes Lockard of Reedsport, Oregon; granddaughters, Christine Michell (Adam) of Davidson, Australia and Katharine Lockard of Reedsport, Oregon; and great-granddaughter Penelope Michell of Davidson, Australia.Interment was at the Willamette Memorial Park Mausoleum.  There will be a memorial service at 2:30 p.m., Sunday April 25 at the Marion Friends Church at in Turner.  Contributions can be made to Marion Friends Church, 5997 Stayton Rd. S. E.,  Turner, Oregon 97392.  AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).