Ernest "Ernie" George Lannet

Jul 30, 1945 -

Apr 3, 2026

Ernest "Ernie" George Lannet, 80, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Queen Creek, Ariz., passed away on April 3, 2026, in Anchorage surrounded by his wife of 35 years, Lisa, after a short illness. Ernie was born July 30, 1945, to Einar George and Elsie Irene (Pokela) Lannet in Paynesville, Mich., a rural community in Ontonagon County located in the Upper Peninsula. The third eldest of nine children, Ernie grew up on a modest family farm, diligently finishing his daily chores before classes, establishing a lifelong work ethic. Upon graduation from Ewen High School, Ernie left home before commencement ceremonies were held to report for duty in the Air Force, which stationed him in 1964 in Anchorage—the place he considered home throughout the rest of his life. After several years working as a flight line crew chief and aircraft engine mechanic, Ernie opted for an honorable discharge rather than following his officers' urging to pursue pilot training.

Ernie worked several construction-related jobs until he decided to take out a bank loan and pursue a successful career as a residential general contractor, builder and property manager. Throughout Anchorage, he built multiplex buildings and custom single-family houses, in some of which he lived with a growing family of three children: Tiffany, Grant and Ivy. When the marriage ended, Ernie temporarily relocated to Gilbert, Ariz., where he met the love of his life, Lisa, a nurse and single mother of one daughter, Jacquelyn. Ernie and Lisa were married on Nov. 24, 1990, in Sedona, Ariz., in front of the beautiful Red Rock Mountains. Thankfully, their four children attended and Tiffany was able to sign on as witness.

Ernie returned to Anchorage with Lisa, where he was able to reengage in the outdoor pursuits he loved most: hunting, fishing, boating and clamming. He and Lisa built a well-appointed "cabin" in Soldotna, Alaska, where they hosted many rambunctious family gatherings, dip-netted countless reds, reeled in a few spectacular kings, tried to keep the moose from eliminating the garden and enjoyed reinvigorating saunas. He taught the next few generations the techniques he had used when subsistence hunting and fishing was essential to help feed the family. An able mechanic and carpenter and a skilled hunter, fisherman and watercraft captain, Ernie introduced many friends and family acquaintances to the joys of the great outdoors.

Ernie's love of laughter with family and friends accompanied by food, wine, Cribbage and other games, travel and gambling were legendary. He and Lisa often could be found at the Waikoloa Beach area in Hawaii during New Year's with family; Las Vegas, Nev.; Queen Creek; and Michigan; or on a river cruise or guided excursion throughout Japan, England, Spain, and other parts of Europe. Most recently, Lisa and Ernie divided their time between Alaska and Queen Creek, surrounded by many loving friends and family members.

Friends and family will remember Ernie for his generosity, his hospitality and the quiet pride he took in carving his own path. Through perseverance, he mastered tasks great and small, always with the goal of providing for those he loved. Ernie had a presence that filled a room; confident and affable, he could swap stories with anyone, from any walk of life.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; children, Tiffany (Patrick) Hoogerhyde, Ernest Grant (Mary Shannon) Lannet, Ivy Lannet and Jacquelyn (Susan) Brasel; and grandchildren, Madison and Zachary (Nadiri) Hoogerhyde, Thaddeus (Ashley), Bailey and Seamus Lannet, and Asher, Colter and Brexley Brasel. Surviving siblings include Edward (Linda) Lannet, Judith Lannet, John (Gail) Lannet, Doris (Herb) Dallas and Kay (Dennis) Mayotte; as well as mother-in-law, Doris (Manny); and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and great-grandchildren.

Along with his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenny and Bobby Lannet; and sister, Clara Lannet.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. on April 24, 2026, at Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home and Cemetery in Mesa, Ariz., where he will be interred. As a proud veteran, in lieu of flowers, memorials dedicated to Disabled American Veterans and American Cancer Society in Ernie's name are appreciated.