March 29, 2024

Violet Erbes

Greenfield

Violet Melanie Erbes was born in her parents’ home on Jan.11, 1928, in Summerset Township, Adair County, on a farm 2 miles east of Fontanelle on Highway 92. Oscar and Emma (Baudler) Gross had three daughters: her older sisters, Darlene and Berthie, and then Violet. Violet passed away at Good Samaritan Home on Nov. 16, 2017, at the age of 89.

Violet was baptized by Pastor Kurtz and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle where she remained a faithful member. When asked about religion, Violet replied, “You couldn’t be without it! We try to do our best, and our best isn’t the greatest, but we got to keep trying.”

When she was 7, her family moved to the house on the highway and established the Gross Cabin Park. On the farm, she would assist with the farm work, gardening and the potato patch. Tragically, when she was 9 years old, she lost her father Oscar to colon cancer.

She attended country school K-5 at Summerset No. 4, then grades 6-12 at the Fontanelle town schools. She graduated in 1946. She had always wanted to be a teacher, and taught country school for the next three years. She met her future husband, Eldon, wearing his Navy uniform, at Luther League. Pastor Seegers united her in marriage to Eldon “Louie” Erbes on Sept. 25, 1949.

When asked what she is most proud of in life, she said, “My kids.” Susan was born in 1950, and then Gary in 1953, both at Adair County Hospital.

Violet taught Sunday school at Fontanelle starting at age 16, and continued for the next 23 years. She said she even talked Eldon into teaching Sunday School for a year or two. She would tell Susan and Gary to “Pray on the way” every day before school. Violet’s faith was the foundation of her life.

After almost 57 years of marriage, Eldon died in 2006. Violet was always a faithful and loving wife, a very loving mother and an encouraging grandmother and great-grandmother.

In her later years, she learned how to enlarge old photographs on her printer to give to friends and family. Iris Westphal was her daily visitor and helped attend to Violet’s every need.

Violet is survived by her children, Susan Williams (Jeff) and Gary Erbes (Eliz); grandchildren, Craig Williams (Cindy), Kristin Frost (Mark), Benjamin Erbes (Jennifer), Timothy Erbes (Kelly) and Emily Erbes; great-grandchildren, William, Eliot and Tallis Frost, Isaiah Erbes and Martha Erbes; nephews and nieces, Galen Herr, Lester, Paul and Kirk Bigelow, Betty Currie, Rose Dory, Daisy Antisdel and Iris Westphal; as well as many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Eldon; sisters, Darlene and Berthie; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Herr and Robert Bigelow; nephews, Ronald Herr and Max Erbes and niece Marilyn Armour. The message she wanted to share with her family was “Be happy, be good, serve the Lord.” She showed her thankfulness by saying, “I know the Lord. He takes care of me every day and helps me make the most of my life.”

May the memory of Violet be a blessing to all those who knew and loved her.

The family of Violet wishes to express their gratitude for the many acts of kindness shown during this time of worldly sorrow, but heavenly rejoicing. They invite you to join them for a light lunch and fellowship at the church following the services at the cemetery to share stories and memories in celebration of Violet’s life.

The Steen Funeral Home in Fontanelle was in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Violet M. Erbes

AGE

89 years ~ 10 months ~ 5 days

FUNERAL SERVICE

Tuesday ~ Nov. 21, 2017 ~ 2 p.m.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Fontanelle

OFFICIATING

Pastor Steven Broers

Readers ~ Craig Williams, Kristin Frost and Emily Erbes

MUSIC

Prelude and Postlude ~ Ben and Jen Erbes

Ryan Frederick ~ Organist

Congregational Hymns

“This Is My Fathers World”

“Beautiful Saviour”

“My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less”

PALLBEARERS

Tim Erbes ~ Galen Herr ~ Paul Bigelow

Dan Erbes ~ Dick Erbes ~ Jim Erbes

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

Lester Bigelow ~ Kirk Bigelow

FLORAL COMMITTEE

Rose Dory ~ Daisey Antisdel ~ Iris Westphal

INTERMENT

Fontanelle Cemetery ~ Fontanelle