Earnest (Ernie) Joseph Ouellett, 40

Beloved son, brother, father and friend, Earnest Joseph Ouellett, 40, passed away on October 10, 2018 at Mountain Valley of Cascadia of Kellogg. He was born August 16, 1978, in Great Falls, Montana; the son of Calvin and Teresa (Sangray) Ouellett.

Ernie attended and graduated from Wallace High School, class of 1997. He then attended North Idaho College where he completed the Culinary Arts Program. He continued his culinary arts education at the Culinary Institute of America in Albany, NY, where he completed their two-year program.

Earnest began working in the food industry at an early age. In high school, he worked for The Brooks Hotel restaurant. After having finished his Culinary education, Earnest returned to Idaho to work as a chef in high-end restaurants in Sun Valley, Idaho, serving celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Demi Moore, and Bruce Willis. It was there that he began to gain notoriety for his creative talents. His food was premiered on an episode of The Bachelor and was interviewed on the Rachael Ray traveling show. Upon returning to North Idaho, Earnest continued his culinary career at the Coeur d’ Alene Resort as a chef.

Aside from his culinary gifts, Earnest was also known to love to make people laugh and smile, he was quite the jokester. He had a knack for making everyone around him feel welcomed and appreciated. He enjoyed walking through the mountains, running, and playing football.

Earnest is survived by his two beautiful children, Kai and Maya; his mother, Teresa Sangray-Koskimaki; his sisters, Andrea (Anthony) Jaramillo of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Erin (Jacob) Taylor of Post Falls, Idaho; the mother of his children, Olga Ouellett; four aunts: Sara, Shirley, Noreen, and Peggy; one uncle, ‘Boot’; two nieces and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his Aunt JoElyn, his Uncle Richard; and his father Calvin Ouellett.

Earnest will always be known as a creative culinary genius and a loving father. He believed in God and will be deeply missed by many who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 27, 2018 at 10: 00a.m at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Pinehurst, Idaho.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or Mountain Valley of Cascadia: 601 W. Cameron Ave., Kellogg, Idaho 83837.

One may sign Earnest’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY of Kellogg, Idaho is entrusted with cremation services.