Leland
Leland Erbe
Leland ‘Lee’ Erbe of Otsego, MI passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012 in Kalamazoo. Lee was born November 4, 1930 in Port Sanilac, MI the son of Howard and Myrtle (Pohzehl) Erbe. Following high school Lee enlisted in the Army and spent 3 years in Germany during the Korean War. Following his time in the service he met and married Sylvia (McLane) on May 15, 1954 in Sandusky, MI. He began working for International Harvester out of Saginaw and had opportunities in different states as he moved up the ranks until he purchased his own truck dealership in IL in 1967. He sold the dealership in the early 1970’s so that he and his family could move back to Michigan. Back in Michigan he stayed with IH until 1980 when he began working in sales permitting for Natural Gas Exploration until his retirement in 1990. He continued to stay busy volunteering to help people in need. Lee and Sylvia spent winters in Lake Travis, TX. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Elks and was a faithful attender of the First Congregational Church of Otsego. Lee enjoyed golfing, playing cards, and his morning coffee with his buddies. He loved spending time with his friends but most of all his family. Once he made a friend it was important to Lee to keep in touch no matter where they lived.
Surviving are his wife Sylvia; his children, Allyson (Ian) Davidson of TX, David (Melisa) of TX, Scott Erbe and Paul (Heather) Erbe both of Kalamazoo; 8 grandchildren, Joshua, Jonah, Collin, Alexandra, Sebastian, Atticus, Ethan and Evan. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and by an infant son, Thomas.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 11:00am at the First Congregational Church, Otsego with Pastor David Youngs officiating. Military Honors by VFW Post #3030. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery, Sandusky, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church or
the Lutheran Hour
.
Messages of condolence may be left at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Leland Erbe
Condolence Messages
Len and Nancy Miller
June 17, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Sylvia and Family:
We are truly sorry for your loss. Lee was a very nice, kind and gentle man, and a joy to be around. It was a treat when you two were in Texas and we got together and played games. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Tara
June 17, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Paul and Heather,
My deepest condolences in your great loss. God be with you in the days, weeks and months to follow. You are in my heart, in prayer and being lifted. My sincerest condolences to your entire family. God bless you all.
Reply
Paul Palmer
June 18, 2012 at 8:45 am
I will miss my “coffee buddy” at Hardings. He was always fun to be around. So sorry for your loss, Sylvia. If you need anything give a yell.
Paul xxoo
Reply
Lonna Peterson
June 18, 2012 at 9:36 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Allyson, and your entire family. I only had the pleasure of meeting your Dad once, but could tell that he was a foundation stone of a strong and loving family. I know you will miss him.
Reply
Lynn Bronkema
June 18, 2012 at 9:46 am
My Dear Slyvia and Family,
So sorry for the lost of Lee. Just knowing now that he is in God’s arms. He has been taken home and has no more pain or health issues. He will be surly missed. Lee was such a kind and friendly person and made one feel like a good friend the moment one met him. God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely, Lynn
Reply
Harry Krause
June 18, 2012 at 10:37 am
Sylvia and family
So sorry to read about your loss in the Times Herald this am.
Don’t know if you heard I was not at Immanuel any more- have missed the congregation and have missed you all for a long time. But the Lord has plans for us all and we must trust Him to guide us. God’s blessings to you all! Harry Krause
Reply
Gail Snyder
June 18, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Sylvia and family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Lee. I did not know Lee but Sylvia has become a very dear friend to me. She is a beautiful person and I am sure Lee was one of the same. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God has taken our good men away from us- he must feel he needs them more than we do. Lose of any kind is never easy and if you ever need anything-you know where to find me.
Good Bless you all.
I love ya beautiful lady.
gail Snyder
Reply
Ron &Maria Bright
June 18, 2012 at 3:16 pm
DEAR SYLVIA,
VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF LEE’S PASSING
HE WAS A VERY DEAR FRIEND GOING BACK
TO GRADE SCHOOL. WILL BE IN TOUCH.
GOD BLESS.
RON & MARIA BRIGHT
Reply
Terry and Lois Ailes
June 18, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Paul and Heather, We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I know how hard that is. We are thinking of you and praying for both of you and for your kids. We are asking God to bring your comfort, strength for all the arrangements and working with family, and peace. If there is a way that we can help, please let us know. Love, Terry and Lois
Reply
Carol A. McLean
June 18, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Dear Sylvia and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. It is never easy, no matter what the age. Will never forget our times together in Freeport, IL. You were good friends and neighbors. May your hearts be lifted with God’s strength.
Am thinking of each and everyone of you.
Hugs and prayers,
Carol
Reply
Jack & Jan Mendel
June 18, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Dear Sylvia and family:
We are so sorry to learn of Lee’s passing. Your whole family has always had a special place in our hearts. Lee’s smile and happy countenance truly exhibited his faith and unselfish love for others. May God give you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Reply
Terry L. Nelson/BFM
June 18, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Sylvia and Family
I am so sorry for your Loss. Lee was such a special person to me. I was so glad I got to know him. Sylvia you are so special to me I knew when we met at Curves we would always be close. There will always be a special place for you in my heart. I so wish I could be at the Service on Saturday. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. God Bless You Love Always Terry
Reply
Norma Jean (Albrecht) Cutler
June 19, 2012 at 1:04 am
So sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. We were distant cousins and also in the graduating class of 1948 from Sandusky High School. I have lived in Newark, DE for the past 50 years. Have been to several reunions — not sure if Lee was to the last one that I attended in the ’80’s.
Reply
Ed and Sharon (Gardner) Smerer
June 19, 2012 at 8:25 am
Sylvia and Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are for
you and your family at this time and later. May God grant you
comfort and peace at this time. I wish I could give you a hug,
like we did at Blue Water Hospice.
God Bless to All,
Ed and Sharon (Gardner) Smerer
Reply
Julia Reneker
June 19, 2012 at 10:43 am
Aunt Sylvia, So sorry for your loss. I will keep you and all your family in my prayers. I remember when my Dad would take us to visit you in Alpena . I always enjoyed our visits.
Love
Julia reneker
Reply
Steve Whitton
June 19, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Allyson,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the loving memories of your dad be with you always.
Most Sincerely,
Steve Whitton
Reply
Fred and Claire Krause
June 19, 2012 at 10:09 pm
We missed you two this winter, we expected to see you pop up at bridge, but Mary and Larry told us you were not coming. Maybe we’ll see you next winter. We are very sorry of your loss. I will pray for you and your family
Love, Fred and Claire.
Reply
Joyce & Don Wilbanks
June 20, 2012 at 10:49 am
Dear Sylvia,
You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. We always
looked forward to you & Lee coming to Texas and joining us at
Christ Our Savior in Lago Vista. You were a very special part of
our church family. Lee was always pleasant to be around and
we shall miss him but know he’s with the Lord. We were privileged to have known him.
Sincerely,
Joyce & Don Wilbanks
Reply
Marilyn Batkie
June 20, 2012 at 11:33 am
Dear Sylvia,
So sorry to read that you are facing one of the realities of life, the loss of a loved one. As I read the obituary, I couldn’t help but think of our “younger years”, such as the four of us having dinner (Freda, Delores, and you and I) and if there was a special dessert the waitress (Nora, I think) saving enough for the four of us. Lee’s family were such good neighbors to us. —And there was also a party at Lee’s house, etc.—— May God Bless you and your family as you go through this trying time but remember all of the good times and happy memories.
Sending you hugs and prayers. Marilyn Batkie
Reply
Nancy & Kowalski
June 20, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Sylvia,
My deepest sympathy to you & your family. I was saddened to hear of Lee’s passng. I a very glad nowtati went to the McLane Family Reunion last fall& had one last chance to see & talk to Lee.
You & your family will be in my thoughts & my prayers.
Reply
Bill and Carolyn Wallschlaeger
June 27, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Sylvia, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoutghts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
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Surviving are his wife Sylvia; his children, Allyson (Ian) Davidson of TX, David (Melisa) of TX, Scott Erbe and Paul (Heather) Erbe both of Kalamazoo; 8 grandchildren, Joshua, Jonah, Collin, Alexandra, Sebastian, Atticus, Ethan and Evan. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and by an infant son, Thomas.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 11:00am at the First Congregational Church, Otsego with Pastor David Youngs officiating. Military Honors by VFW Post #3030. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery, Sandusky, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church or
the Lutheran Hour
.
Messages of condolence may be left at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Leland Erbe
Condolence Messages
Len and Nancy Miller
June 17, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Sylvia and Family:
We are truly sorry for your loss. Lee was a very nice, kind and gentle man, and a joy to be around. It was a treat when you two were in Texas and we got together and played games. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Tara
June 17, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Paul and Heather,
My deepest condolences in your great loss. God be with you in the days, weeks and months to follow. You are in my heart, in prayer and being lifted. My sincerest condolences to your entire family. God bless you all.
Reply
Paul Palmer
June 18, 2012 at 8:45 am
I will miss my “coffee buddy” at Hardings. He was always fun to be around. So sorry for your loss, Sylvia. If you need anything give a yell.
Paul xxoo
Reply
Lonna Peterson
June 18, 2012 at 9:36 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Allyson, and your entire family. I only had the pleasure of meeting your Dad once, but could tell that he was a foundation stone of a strong and loving family. I know you will miss him.
Reply
Lynn Bronkema
June 18, 2012 at 9:46 am
My Dear Slyvia and Family,
So sorry for the lost of Lee. Just knowing now that he is in God’s arms. He has been taken home and has no more pain or health issues. He will be surly missed. Lee was such a kind and friendly person and made one feel like a good friend the moment one met him. God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely, Lynn
Reply
Harry Krause
June 18, 2012 at 10:37 am
Sylvia and family
So sorry to read about your loss in the Times Herald this am.
Don’t know if you heard I was not at Immanuel any more- have missed the congregation and have missed you all for a long time. But the Lord has plans for us all and we must trust Him to guide us. God’s blessings to you all! Harry Krause
Reply
Gail Snyder
June 18, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Sylvia and family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Lee. I did not know Lee but Sylvia has become a very dear friend to me. She is a beautiful person and I am sure Lee was one of the same. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God has taken our good men away from us- he must feel he needs them more than we do. Lose of any kind is never easy and if you ever need anything-you know where to find me.
Good Bless you all.
I love ya beautiful lady.
gail Snyder
Reply
Ron &Maria Bright
June 18, 2012 at 3:16 pm
DEAR SYLVIA,
VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF LEE’S PASSING
HE WAS A VERY DEAR FRIEND GOING BACK
TO GRADE SCHOOL. WILL BE IN TOUCH.
GOD BLESS.
RON & MARIA BRIGHT
Reply
Terry and Lois Ailes
June 18, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Paul and Heather, We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I know how hard that is. We are thinking of you and praying for both of you and for your kids. We are asking God to bring your comfort, strength for all the arrangements and working with family, and peace. If there is a way that we can help, please let us know. Love, Terry and Lois
Reply
Carol A. McLean
June 18, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Dear Sylvia and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. It is never easy, no matter what the age. Will never forget our times together in Freeport, IL. You were good friends and neighbors. May your hearts be lifted with God’s strength.
Am thinking of each and everyone of you.
Hugs and prayers,
Carol
Reply
Jack & Jan Mendel
June 18, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Dear Sylvia and family:
We are so sorry to learn of Lee’s passing. Your whole family has always had a special place in our hearts. Lee’s smile and happy countenance truly exhibited his faith and unselfish love for others. May God give you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Reply
Terry L. Nelson/BFM
June 18, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Sylvia and Family
I am so sorry for your Loss. Lee was such a special person to me. I was so glad I got to know him. Sylvia you are so special to me I knew when we met at Curves we would always be close. There will always be a special place for you in my heart. I so wish I could be at the Service on Saturday. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. God Bless You Love Always Terry
Reply
Norma Jean (Albrecht) Cutler
June 19, 2012 at 1:04 am
So sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. We were distant cousins and also in the graduating class of 1948 from Sandusky High School. I have lived in Newark, DE for the past 50 years. Have been to several reunions — not sure if Lee was to the last one that I attended in the ’80’s.
Reply
Ed and Sharon (Gardner) Smerer
June 19, 2012 at 8:25 am
Sylvia and Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are for
you and your family at this time and later. May God grant you
comfort and peace at this time. I wish I could give you a hug,
like we did at Blue Water Hospice.
God Bless to All,
Ed and Sharon (Gardner) Smerer
Reply
Julia Reneker
June 19, 2012 at 10:43 am
Aunt Sylvia, So sorry for your loss. I will keep you and all your family in my prayers. I remember when my Dad would take us to visit you in Alpena . I always enjoyed our visits.
Love
Julia reneker
Reply
Steve Whitton
June 19, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Allyson,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the loving memories of your dad be with you always.
Most Sincerely,
Steve Whitton
Reply
Fred and Claire Krause
June 19, 2012 at 10:09 pm
We missed you two this winter, we expected to see you pop up at bridge, but Mary and Larry told us you were not coming. Maybe we’ll see you next winter. We are very sorry of your loss. I will pray for you and your family
Love, Fred and Claire.
Reply
Joyce & Don Wilbanks
June 20, 2012 at 10:49 am
Dear Sylvia,
You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. We always
looked forward to you & Lee coming to Texas and joining us at
Christ Our Savior in Lago Vista. You were a very special part of
our church family. Lee was always pleasant to be around and
we shall miss him but know he’s with the Lord. We were privileged to have known him.
Sincerely,
Joyce & Don Wilbanks
Reply
Marilyn Batkie
June 20, 2012 at 11:33 am
Dear Sylvia,
So sorry to read that you are facing one of the realities of life, the loss of a loved one. As I read the obituary, I couldn’t help but think of our “younger years”, such as the four of us having dinner (Freda, Delores, and you and I) and if there was a special dessert the waitress (Nora, I think) saving enough for the four of us. Lee’s family were such good neighbors to us. —And there was also a party at Lee’s house, etc.—— May God Bless you and your family as you go through this trying time but remember all of the good times and happy memories.
Sending you hugs and prayers. Marilyn Batkie
Reply
Nancy & Kowalski
June 20, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Sylvia,
My deepest sympathy to you & your family. I was saddened to hear of Lee’s passng. I a very glad nowtati went to the McLane Family Reunion last fall& had one last chance to see & talk to Lee.
You & your family will be in my thoughts & my prayers.
Reply
Bill and Carolyn Wallschlaeger
June 27, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Sylvia, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoutghts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
Share This Obituary
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