Harry William Erb Jr. died peacefully on October 17, 2024 surrounded by his family at Woodland Hill in Hudson, WI.

Harry was born in Hudson, WI on December 29,1937 to Harry William (Bill) Erb Sr. and Susan (Mallory) Erb. He graduated from Hudson High School in 1956 and served in the Air National Guard from 1956-1963. Harry also attended Wisconsin State College at River Falls (now UW- River Falls) from 1957-58

It was during high school that Harry found the love of his life, Mary Ann Kester, and married her at St. Patrick’s Rectory in Hudson on April 25, 1959. They made their home together on Lake Mallalieu before moving to Woodland Hill in Hudson. They had recently celebrated their 65th anniversary.

Harry was employed by Nor-Lake in Hudson before having a long career as a product development technologist at 3M in St. Paul from 1958 to 1994. He had a knack for fixing and inventing things as he maintained a tram from the house to the lake and also whittled and carved many items out of wood for the yard and for the holidays.

The couple had three daughters, Colleen, Natalie and Paula, who were at the center of their parents’ lives. As the daughters started families of their own, Harry took a keen interest in the sporting events of the 3 grandsons. He was a sports enthusiast and played basketball, football, and baseball in high school as well as football in college. He loved the Green Bay Packers and won several trips to see them in action.

After retiring from 3M, Harry continued to enjoy the hobbies that he loved; fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling, and woodworking. He thoroughly enjoyed
taking care of his yard and lake property where he fished in all seasons as well as enjoyed many pontoon rides. Harry sang in the United Methodist choir in Hudson and volunteered with the church distributing food on a weekly basis.

Harry was known for his friendly demeanor and “one-liners” when he encountered others. He often would take off his hat and expose his bald head and say “Hi! Everyone calls me Harry and I don’t know why!”

Harry is survived by his daughters, Colleen Lursen, Maple Grove MN, Natalie (Jim) Thorson, Hudson, WI and Paula Erb, (Chuck Martin), Hudson, WI. Grandsons Ben Thorson (Julia) Chaska, MN, Koby Lursen (Michelle) Maple Grove, MN, Tyler Lursen (Kate) Bloomington, MN and 5 great grandchildren; Jett, Josie, June, Owen, and Tess. Also survived by his sister; Vonnie St. Peter, West Bend, WI. Sister-in laws; Kathy Mayer from Esparto, CA and Dorothy Cleveland (Bernie) form Woodbury, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Ann, sisters Shirley Sherley, Peg Vall, and Sandy Bauguess, and son-in-law, Kent Lursen.

Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Hudson at 11am on October 29th. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 9:30-11:00am. Burial will be at Willow River Cemetery in Hudson. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.

Special thanks to the staff at Woodland Hill Presbyterian Homes and the Lakeview Hospice Care Team for their wonderful care and big hearts.
O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson is handling the arrangements.