Ervin E Eppling

   Ervin Eldon Eppling, 91, of Chatfield, formerly of River Falls, WI., passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s campus in Rochester.

   Ervin was born May 31, 1929, near Kingsley, IA, on a farm to Robert and Martha (Meister) Eppling.  He attended a country school.  He always told the story of how he rode his bike with his sister Laura on the handlebars to school.  He graduated from Union Consolidated High School in IA. 

   Ervin met his wife Mary Wittrock from Holstien, IA while she was a waitress, they were married on November 2, 1952.  They farmed in IA before buying a farm near Spring Valley, WI where they stayed for about 7 years.  Ervin then started a job at the University of WI River Falls.  He worked at the University farm and then as a grounds keeper where he mowed the lawns and football field and did snow removal also.  He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs in River Falls at their summer training camp.  He was employed for 24 years, enjoyed meeting the students and making lifelong friends with people he worked with.

   Ervin enjoyed life after retirement.  Taking bus trips, polka fest, dancing, playing cards, gardening, and making trips to northwest IA to see family.  Ervin and Mary were always together in their activities.  He liked to stay busy.  He also played in 2 bands, playing the stomp fiddle and drums.  He enjoyed entertaining residents at the care centers and jamming with friends.

   Ervin is survived by his wife Mary of 68 years; daughter Beverly (Christopher) Sandberg of Stewartville; son Gary (Melinda) Eppling of Wheaton, ILL; sister Laura Hinkhouse of Corectionville, IA; brother Gerald Eppling of LeMars, IA; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

  A private Memorial service will be held at Chatfield Lutheran Church on Friday December 11, 2020, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Mark Docken officiating.  Spring inurnment will take place in Kingsley, IA. At a later date.

   A very special thank you to Mayo Hospice that helped Ervin and his family this past year.

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