Ervin Walter Emde

Ervin Walter Emde, the son of Fredrick Emde and Martha Buhrn, was born on July 5, 1927, on a farm north of Appleton, Minnesota.  After graduating from Appleton High School, Ervin farmed in the Appleton area and developed a strong work ethic that would define his life.

At a party hosted by his sister in Kansas City, Missouri, Ervin met Mary Eubank.  They were united in marriage on February 7, 1949, in Kansas City.  Children born were Kenneth, Teresa, Nanette, David, Bradly, and Kathryn.

Ervin's strong work ethic and commitment to their farm near Appleton were admirable, as he worked tirelessly until the age of 82, providing for his family with unwavering dedication.  Upon retiring from farming, Ervin moved to Alexandria and placed the first deposit on an apartment at the newly constructed Grand Arbor, where he lived until his death. 

He found joy in simple pleasures, such as playing pool, engaging in card games with neighbors, and exploring new destinations through travel.  He spent winters in Yuma, Arizona from 1997 to 2017.

Ervin died on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at his home in Grand Arbor, at the age of 96 years old.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Emde, son, David Emde, siblings, infant brother Wilford Emde, Willard Emde, Fred Emde, Lester Emde, Eleanor Dunsworth, Harriet Nygard, Lorraine Smith, Verna Kojetin, and son-in-law Ray Goldberg.

Ervin is survived by his children, Kenneth (Barbara) Emde, Teresa Emde, Nanette (Kent) Benson, Bradly (Leonor) Emde, and Kathryn (Tom) Arnold; grandchildren, Brian Emde, Mary Ashley Goldberg-Emde, Dera Benson-Johnson (Eric), Jameson Benson, Arie (Gena) Emde, Ellyn (David) Johnson, Matthew Emde, Matthew (Amy) Arnold, and Mallory Arnold; step grandchildren Scott Anderson, and Steven (Andrea) Anderson; great grandchildren Ethan Johnson, Emmett Johnson, Evelyn Johnson, Ezekiel Johnson, Amelia Johnson, Rosalie Johnson, and Evan Arnold; step great grandchildren, Alex Fairfield-Johnson, Hannah Griffin, Ximena Ramirez, and Steven Anderson II.  

A Celebration of Ervin’s life will take place on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 1 PM at Grand Arbor in Alexandria.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Friday at Grand Arbor.

A Graveside Service will be held at the Appleton Cemetery on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11 AM.

Memorials are requested to be sent to Grand Arbor, 4403 Pioneer Rd SE, Alexandria, Minnesota 56308.