Richard Erpenbach

Richard F. Erpenbach, age 79, of Willmar, died Sunday, April 13, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

`Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 18, at Vinje Lutheran Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.

Richard Francis Erpenbach was born on February 14, 1935, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Howard and Glenda (Akerson-Johnson) Erpenbach. He grew up and received his education in Willmar. He attended school in Chicago and earned his Boilers License and began working for International Harvester. He also played in a semi-pro baseball league. In 1965, Richard was united in marriage to Janice Swenson and they made their home in Willmar. In 1985, he was married to Judith Ann Priebe (Schuer) and they also lived in Willmar. Richard was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Nelson Construction for over 30 years and retired in 1990. Richard enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, watching sporting events, coffee socials with friends and telling many good stories. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Judy of Willmar; one son, David (and Tina) Erpenbach of Spicer; four stepchildren, Wendy (and Vernon) Envik of Moorhead, Gregory Priebe (and Lyn Alkan) of Rohnert Park, CA., Michelle (and Tony) Herber of Minnesota Lake and Chad Priebe of Willmar; two grandchildren, Chelsey and Cody; seven step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Charles Erpenbach of Willmar, Ronnie Akerson of Benson and David Akerson of Tower; and one sister, Rita Erpenbach of Willmar, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Allen in 1993; two sisters, Virginia Paddock and Glenda Akerson and one brother, Jeff Akerson.

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