Ervin Harsdorf 12/03/2011

Ervin Albert Harsdorf passed away peacefully surrounded by family, December 3, 2011 at the age of 88 in Hudson Hospital, Hudson, WI.  Ervin was born February 28, 1923, the son of John Herman and Rose (Sommer) Harsdorf in Stillwater, MN.  Ervin was a successful dairy and crop farmer, a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He was a man of great character, humor and loved his Lord.  Due to his father’s illness he left school after 9th grade to operate the family farm located near Lake Elmo, MN.  He was very active in the community serving as Chairman of West Lakeland Township in Washington County and active as a 4-H Leader.  He also served on St. Paul’s Lutheran Church building committee.  In 1970, Ervin and his wife Eloise and 2 of their 4 children moved to River Falls, WI, where they relocated their dairy farm near Beldenville, WI.  In River Falls, he served on the Equity Co-Op Board, DHI Board and Hastings Co-Op Creamery Board.  Ervin was an active member of Ezekiel Lutheran Church.  While Ervin’s passion was farming he loved traveling and with his wife Eloise visited over 13 foreign countries from Morocco to Germany and Sweden.  Ervin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eloise and 4 children, Roxanne (Wade) Carlson, Susan (Steve) Josephson, James (Lanette) Harsdorf and Sheila Harsdorf.  Grandchildren, Julie (Dave) Rahaim, Matthew (Meta) Carlson, Sean (Jumi) Josephson, Sonja (Jeremy) Beyerlein, Scott (Valerie) Josephson, Johnathan (Bridget) Harsdorf, Kristina Harsdorf, Laura (Tom) Benitz, Justin Harsdorf and Ryan (Harsdorf) Bailey.  In addition, Ervin is survived by 10 great grandchildren and many friends.  Preceding him in death were his parents, John Herman and Rose Harsdorf; his sister, Frances (Lehart) Friedrich; and his great-granddaughter, Claire Elizabeth Harsdorf.  A funeral service was held Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 12:00 noon at Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls, WI.  Visitation was Tuesday, December 6, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Ezekiel Lutheran Church and also Wednesday from 11:00-12:00 before the service.  Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.  Arrangements were with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.